Chicken Curry With Coconut Milk

This favorite chicken curry recipe is usually prepared as a side with flavored rice like Tomato Pulao. Coconut milk and poppy seeds are essential in the preparation of the curry. The chicken simmers in a concoction of yogurt, coconut milk, poppy seeds and garam masala to yield a rich creamy textured curry. Tomato Pulao with Chicken curry made for a deliciously comforting meal. From Sailu's Kitchen website.

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 4-5

Ingredients

• 2  lbs chicken breasts, cut in bite sized pieces
• 1⁄2 cup yogurt
• 1  teaspoon lemon juice
• 1⁄4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1  tablespoon coriander powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cumin, ground
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons red chili powder
• 1  tablespoon poppy seed (soak in a little milk and make paste)
• 2  large red onions, finely diced
• 1  teaspoon garam masala powder
• 1  star anise
• 1  cinnamon stick
• 3⁄4 cup coconut milk
• 2  tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped
•  salt
• 2  tablespoons  oil

• FOR PASTE

• 3  green chilies
• 1 1⁄2 inches ginger, fresh
• 6  garlic cloves

Directions

1. In a small blender, like a magic bullet, process the green chilis, the ginger and the garlic cloves until a smooth paste forms. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, coriander, cumin, turmeric, lemon juice and half of the ground ginger-garlic-green chili paste. Add chicken and let marinate for 10 minutes.
3. Heat oil in a large frying pan, add the star anise, cinnamon stick and chopped onions and fry for 4 minutes. Add the remaining ground ginger-garlic-green chili paste and saute for 4 minutes. Add red chili powder and mix.
4. Add the marinated chicken and cook on high heat for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Reduce to medium heat, add salt and poppy seed paste and mix well. Let the chicken cook in this paste for 8-10 minutes, uncovered. Cook till oil separates.
6. Add 1 1/2 cups water and mix. Bring to a boil, reduce flame and cook for 13-14 minutes.
7. Add garam masala, mix well. Add thick coconut milk and cook on medium flame for 3-4 minutes. Turn off heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
8. Serve hot with white steamed rice, coconut rice, or rotis.