Chicken Curry

Curry is derived from the Tamil word kari, which means sauce. We usually associate it with Indian Cuisine, since the Curry Leaf Tree is native to India. Do not confuse it with Curry Powder, though, as Indian food does not contain curry powder.

This dish is made with good old curry powder which can be easily found in your local grocery stores (not the authentic garam masala). Hubby loves it, banking on the fact that curry powder has a lot of health benefits (i.e. helps fight skin cancer, inflammation of joints, improves memory, etc), and it is also spicy and delicious. This is how I remember chicken curry - the way my aunt used to make it.

What you need:

• 2 - 3 pieces boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
• 6 cloves of garlic
• 1 medium-sized onion, quartered
• a thumb-sized piece of ginger, cut into matchsticks
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced and seeds removed
• 1 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 6 pieces small red potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 teaspoons curry powder (or more, if desired)
• a dash of red pepper flakes
• 3 - 4 cups of water
• 2 tablespoons patis (fish sauce)
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

What to do:

In a pot over medium-high heat, saute the garlic, onion and ginger in oil for around 30 seconds. Add chicken and cook until the meat is no longer pink. Then add the fish sauce and cover the pot for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken absorbs the fish sauce.

Add the turmeric, curry powder and red pepper flakes and stir to distribute the powder. Pour in the water and toss in the potatoes and red bell pepper. Adjust heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes.

Add the coconut milk, cover the pot and cook for 5 minutes, or until chicken is tender. Adjust seasoning by adding more red pepper flakes or fish sauce according to preference. Remove from heat and serve hot!

Tips, Tricks and Tweaks:

1. Careful in de-seeding the peppers. Remember not to scratch your eyes when handling them!
2. Curry powder leaves yellow stains so be cautious when using it. You might want to rinse your dishes after eating and DON'T store in white plastic container.
3. Some coconut milk settles at the bottom of the can. Don't forget to give the can a little shake before opening.
4. Try adding other veggies such as bok choy or carrots.
5. Pork, tilapia, or beef can also be used in lieu of chicken.