Thank you so much for the birthday wishes over here, on Twitter, Facebook etc. I was literally on moon and the Husband had to bring me back to reality, a few times.
For those who voted and continued your support towards my nomination at Saveur — you mean the world to me. I owe you cookies & hugs.
Seriously.
Back to regular recipe programming — and today is all about making curries. How many times have you spotted a delicious recipe and left frustrated with a long list of ingredients that either you’ve never came across before, ever — or sourcing it in your local grocer was almost impossible?
I’ve been there and done that — and its perfectly natural to feel overwhelmed, especially with unknown spices. Many would take the easier route and skip over yummy recipes.
Well, I’m here to dispel the myth about curries. It can be simple to make with common ingredients from your pantry.
I promise.
I bet many hoard on garam masala and have never used it more than a few times. The versatility of this spice is often overlooked.
Garam masala is made with a handful of spices, all toasted and blended to create delightful aroma and flavors. Garam masala is often made with spices that are vastly found all across India such as: peppercorns, cloves, mace, cumin seeds, cardamom, star anise, nutmeg, coriander seeds etc. Its the individual selection of spices that eventually transforms it into an aromatic blend of personalized garam masala.
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped (yields 1 cup)
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 bay leaves
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 2 heaping tbsp garam masala (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup hot water
Marinade
- 1 lb of bone-in, skinless chicken
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup yogurt
Directions:
- Add the marinade ingredients in a medium non-reactive bowl. Mix to coat chicken with yogurt and grated ginger, thoroughly. Refrigerate overnight.
- Heat a medium saucepan on medium-high. Add cooking oil. Once oil is hot, add cumin seeds. Wait till seeds sputter before adding onions. Sprinkle salt and cook until onions are fragrant and translucent.
- Once onions are lightly browned and fragrant, add turmeric + chili powder. Stir to combine.
- Add marinated chicken + bay leaves, and stir until everything is combined. Fry for a few minutes.
- Add garam masala and hot water. Mix and cover to cook on medium heat for 40 minutes, until oil separates and chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve hot with naans, saffron scented basmati rice or chapatis.
Off to catch up on emails, comments and menu planning for next week. It’s been crazy busy ever since I returned from Food Blog Forum — Have a great day 🙂
What intimidates you more about curry? The spices, method or long list of ingredients?
Comments on this entry are closed.
Kiran- this sounds heavenly!! I love love love curries! And I voted for you! I hope you win!! 🙂
Katie {Epicurean Mom Blog} recently posted..Cream Cheese Deviled Eggs
Katie — thanks for the support, dear 🙂 xoxo
This was the one you were talking about? Looks divinely delicious. Quick, easy no fuss!!
Ansh — if you are referring to the tweet, yes!
Love how simple this is, garam masala is such a useful spice to have on hand. Congratulations too on the nomination, I was so happy to see you there!
Kathryn recently posted..orange blossom cake with cream cheese frosting
Kathryn — thanks a lot sweetie. It’s a great honor to be a finalist 🙂
This curry looks so good! I love garam massala and always make sure to have some on stock in my pantry.
Cheers,
Rosa
Rosa — thanks dear. Garam masala is so versatile and a great spice to have on hand!
Oooh, bookmarked! I’ve only ever made caribbean-style curry, but I am dying to try this one out in my own kitchen
Feast on the Cheap recently posted..Rich’s Light New York Cheesecake
FOTC — so exciting! Please let me know how it tastes 🙂
I’ve been all wrapped up in my own drama for awhile, so happy belated Birthday! And I just popped over and voted for you. Crossing my fingers for you!!
Jen at The Three Little Piglets recently posted..Double Caramel Brownies
Jen — thank you so much my friend, and I hope you are doing well. Been too busy myself. Hopping over 🙂
Wow, looks so finger licking good. I love the way garam masala brings in an exotic touch to a bland dish and this recipe is so simple that I can recommend it to Indian food enthusiasts who are cooking Indian dishes for the first time.
Vijitha recently posted..Easter special: How to cook lamb for South beach diet?
Vijitha — ditto! My thoughts, exactly 🙂
Gorgeous photos and gorgeous flavors here! I love garam masala and many Indian spices and dishes. This sounds so good and so simple!
cassie recently posted..Milk Bar Mondays – Crack Pie
Cassie — thanks sweetie 🙂
Kiran, this recipe sounds great! I like making curries, and this recipe sounds simple and delicious at the same time.
Biana | Meal Planning Tips recently posted..Roasted Asparagus And Grape Tomatoes Salad Recipe
Biana — thanks dear 🙂
Kiran – I voted for you – Congrats on Saveur – that is amazing! I love making curries and this looks fabulous and easy!
Alyssa @ Everyday Maven recently posted..Lightened up Matzo Brei aka Fried Matzo
Alyssa — thank you so so much for voting!! xoxo
I love curry!! Gorgeous photos. Makes me want to go get some chicken and get cooking!
the wicked noodle recently posted..spanikopita
Kristy — awww, thanks sweetie 🙂
I hoard garam masala and use it too! My stash will definitely be used for this recipe! I love that picture of the spices… gorgeous!
Margarita recently posted..Portland Love
Margarita — thanks sweetie. Glad we all somehow share similar food antics 😉
Congrats on your nomination Kiran…you have my vote! Great recipe..love garam masala!
Sara {OneTribeGourmet} recently posted..My Trip to Cairo, Egypt & An Egyptian Spiced Dukkah Eggplant Fries
Sara — thank you so much love xoxo
Im thinking of green lentils right now and you marination sounds superb!
* well, I want your hug and jar of cookies LOL
Ira Rodrigues recently posted..Potato Croquettes, Kroket kentang
Ira — lol, I wish I could get the hug and cookies to you immediately 😀
Hey Happy belated birthday!
You are right about garam masala being the most over looked spice.. My family and I sprinkle a little on every curry because we love how it enhances the flavor! And intimidation by curries? Not at all!
Great recipe! Looks pretty easy too..
Zee recently posted..Lemon Sorbet
Zee — thanks for the birthday wish 🙂
Such a simple curry recipe! I am sure this is what a lot of people who are new to chicken curry would love this recipe.
chinmayie @ love food eat recently posted..Date, Orange & Chocolate Granola Squares (Vegan + Nut Free)
Chinmayie — thanks dear 🙂
Lovely recipe….fuss free…i like the simplicity in the recipe….sometimes it is out of laziness to we may skip attempting long list of ingredient recipes….
Lubna Karim recently posted..Strawberry-Yogurt Smoothie Topped With Muesli
Lubna — thanks dear! Ditto about the long list of ingredients 😀
Hi Kiran, This is a mouth watering dish and I really love it. I would like to give a try but I am wondering where I can get cumin seeds? Will it be ok if I will not use this?
Jessica — welcome to Recipebox and thanks for commenting 🙂 Cumin seeds are readily available everywhere these days. You can get it from Walmart, Target etc.
Kiran, I just voted for you!!! Congratulations! I’m so honored to know your blog – I went through all the categories and I only know your blog!!! How AWESOME! I really hope you will win this!!
This chicken curry looks yum!
Nami | Just One Cookbook recently posted..Stir Fried Shrimp & Asparagus in Black Bean Sauce – Guest Post By Wok With Ray
Nami — thanks so much for the support, dear 🙂 xoxoxo
My vote is for you, fingers crossed!
I often make a curry very similar to this one (usually eat it with roti), but always thought it was just a strange Dutch variation and nowhere near “authentic”. Looks like I wasn’t doing too bad;) Your version looks aromatic and delicious, too bad Florida is just a bit too far for a quick visit now!
Denise recently posted..Coconut Cookies
Denise — thank you so so much for your support 🙂 xoxo
Love this chicken recipe & the photo of the spices is so FUN 🙂
Marla — thanks sweetie 🙂
My husband and I have been into these sorts of foods lately…so so so good! Will totally bookmark this recipe!!!
Gretchen O’Donnell recently posted..The Adventures of Flat Ruthie! Part One.
Gretchen — thanks honey. Do let me know how it tastes 🙂
Yup, I have a bag of garam masala in my spice cabinet but never know what to make with it!
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen recently posted..Creamy Whipped Feta Dip with Mint Parsley Pesto and Cucumbers
Sylvie — Garam masala can be versatile. Replace it with “curry powder” and experiment 🙂
Curry is something I’ve been meaning to cook more of. I’ve tried a bit in the past and while the results are perfectly “ok” they always seem to lack a certain something. This looks lovely – always nice to get some more inspiration for when I finally start trying to make some real awesome curries!
By the way – I read recently that one shouldn’t add the garam masala until the very end of the cooking… but I’m not sure where I read it, or how reliable that source is… did you ever hear anything like this?
Happy Belated Birthday Kiran 🙂
This chicken with curry looks delicious…so tasty and full of flavor with the spices. Great paired with white rice…mmmm
Hope you are having a wonderful week!
your pictures are simply amazing! So gorgeous and that chicken curry dish is something i can only dream about. I have to try this!
I love curry dishes, and this one looks like one of those perfect quick meals for a night. I’d definitely need some naan bread to help soak up the sauce! Yum!
Jeff recently posted..Overnight Crockpot Oatmeal
NOM! I would totally pick the naans over rice to go with this delicious looking chicken curry.. I love Indian food! Yours always look super flavourful and full of spices!! Can’t wait for Vaisakhi!
Sammie recently posted..EGG-citing Tropical Hot Cross Buns
I love how simple this chicken curry recipe is. I used to so intimidated by all the ingredients in Indian cooking, but fortunately I have gotten over the phobia thanks to some cooking classes with a wonderful Indian cook.
Jeanette recently posted..Chopped Salmon Arugula Walnut Salad with Honey Wasabi Vinaigrette Recipe
Totally yummy! I love different chicken curry recipes~! I will try this version out soon 🙂
anh@anhsfoodblog.com recently posted..Kazuki’s in Daylesford & gorgeous autumn colors
the pics are stunning, love the earthy flavors. I have you on my google reader and just noticed your link is under recipebox~ I kept looking for Kiran, LOL!!
vianney recently posted..Chile Pequín en Escabeche – Pickled Pequíns
Happy Belated Birthday! And I love curries and actually have several little containers of homemade garam masala given to me by friends and this is a perfect, fast and obviously delicious meal!
Jamie recently posted..2 DAYS IN NEW YORK
That does look easy! I’ve tried To dumb-down quite a few of y Indian recipes as well due to the long list of ingredients.
Sommer@ASpicyPerspective recently posted..Raspberry Basil Mojitos & Cocktail Contest!
That chicken looks amazing! I’d love to try some!
PolaM recently posted..Guest post at the German Foodie
YES for making curries without tonnes of fancy ingredients!!! And we ARE hoarding some garam masala – how on earth did you know?!
Em (Wine and Butter) recently posted..Wine and Butter
Congrats on the nomination. Well deserved!
kale recently posted..make your own: hummus
Sooooooo Yummy! It’s mouthwatering!
Yummy Morsel recently posted..Chickpea Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing
Even though I enjoy different kind of chicken dishes .. a simple chicken curry with Indian spice mix can rock my world any day 🙂
kankana recently posted..Chicken and Orzo Light Soup
We cannot refuse curries and this curried chicken is one of it too. Garam masala is a must in my kitchen and it brings out the wonderful spicy aroma and taste into curries. Looks so good and my next of the list to be tried out.
Nava Krishnan recently posted..Restaurant Saravanaa Bhavan (Jalan Gasing) Petaling Jaya
This looks insanely delicious. I love the homemade garam masala. The aroma of roasted spices fills the kitchen. I must try your recipe soon.
Baker Street recently posted..Blueberry White Chocolate Coffee Cake
I love making curries and this one looks so good. I use garam masala in something most weeks as it’s so versatile.
Corina recently posted..Baked Arancini
Beautiful photos once again!! I have been wanting to make curry for a few weeks ~ now I have an amazing recipe to use!! Thanks girl!
Emily recently posted..Grilled Skirt Steak with Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce
The chicken looks insanely good! And looooove all the photographs! Congrats on being chosen as a Saveur finalist! That’s huge! All the best!
Pinning the recipe!
Shumaila recently posted..Tish Boyle’s Luxe Pound Cake
I was delighted to see your name on the Saveur nominations and wishing you the best…you got my vote!
Barbara | Creative Culinary recently posted..Bacardi Cocktail – Another Classic for #HappyHourFriday
I do adore curries, and this one looks wonderful!
Congratulations once again…keeping my good energy thoughts your way 🙂
Magic of Spice recently posted..What’s on the side? Red Quinoa and Jade Pearl Rice with Sage Brown Butter
Congratulations! Sounds like you’ve had some very exciting events going on these past few weeks. This is a lovely curry. I really like that this is simple enough to make during the work week.
Kristi Rimkus recently posted..They’re Eating Kale Quesadillas
I forgot to say I posted my vote for you. Good luck!
Kristi Rimkus recently posted..They’re Eating Kale Quesadillas
Hi Kiran,
This curry looks so flavorful! What I love about this dish is the simplicity. Few ingredients but full of flavor.
Asmita recently posted..Raisin Pecan Oatmeal Cookies
omg, this looks so amazing. i love garam masala and this would easily taste fantastic. i’ve never cooked a whole chicken, i’m too scared. 🙁
Honey What’s Cooking recently posted..Friday’s Favorite Things – 4.13.12
Hi. This looks great. I intend to make it next week. At Stage 4 Do you fry the chicken until all sides have changed colour (no longer raw flesh) and also could you use Boneless chicken / boneless chicken breast. If not do you serve the chicken with the bones still in or remove the bones before serving. Thanks.
With these measurements anyone eating this would need hospital treatment for burnt mouth
1 tsp red chili powder
2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
I adapted your recipe for a 2.5lbs pork butt. No marinating. Just used a fine quality meat that was never frozen. Vigorously rubbed grated ginger into the meat with a tbs of fine sea salt. Left to sit in fridge for an hour covered. Chopped all you advised, but added garlic. Followed same with oil, cumin and onions. Then I browned all sides of the roast in a large ceramic pan. Added bay leaves, 2.5 cups hot water to 3 heaping tbs of garam marsala, let boil, reduced heat to simmer added half a pale ale and let simmer for 90 mins covered, occationally adding the other half of the beer (well maybe it was a different beer) and stirred. Removed, let sit 1-2 minutes, sliced over yellow rice and served with a pear chutney I found. The sauce/gravy was great over the top with a rainbow of carrots