Matthew's Chicken Curry

“Cooking With Love,” by Carla Hall

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 3⁄4 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
• 3⁄4 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
• 2  teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons cumin seeds, toasted and ground
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
• 3  tablespoons canola oil or 3  tablespoons  other neutral  oil
• 1  teaspoon canola oil or 1  teaspoon  other neutral  oil
• 2  large yellow onions, very thinly sliced
• 1  serrano chili, stemmed, seeded and finely chopped
• 2  tablespoons  chicken stock or 2  tablespoons water
• 4  garlic cloves, very thinly sliced
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons  grated peeled fresh ginger
• 3⁄4 cup coconut milk
• 3⁄4 cup water
•  toasted cashews (to garnish)
•  cilantro (to garnish)
•  steamed green peas, for serving
•  cooked basmati rice, for serving

Directions

1. Put the chicken breast chunks in one bowl and the thighs in another. In a small bowl, combine the coriander, cumin, turmeric, cayenne, salt and pepper. Divide between the bowls of chicken and turn the chicken pieces to evenly coat. Let stand for 20 minutes.
2. In a large, deep skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thigh chunks in a single layer and cook, turning the pieces occasionally, until nice and browned, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with another tablespoon oil and the chicken breast chunks, transferring them to another plate. You just want to sear the chicken, not cook it through.
3. Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan, reduce the heat to medium, and add the onions and chile. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden and melted, about 7 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and add the stock, stirring in the beautiful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Add the garlic, ginger, 1/4 cup of the coconut milk and 1/4 cup of the water. Stir well, bring to a simmer, and return the chicken thighs to the skillet. Cook for 20 minutes, then add the chicken breasts. Cook for 5 minutes, then stir in the remaining coconut milk and water. Cook 5 minutes longer or until stewy.
5. Top with cashews and cilantro. Serve with plain steamed peas and basmati rice.