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Cape Malay Chicken Curry

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Ingredients

Units Scale
FOR THE SPICE MIX:
  • 1 tbsp coriander seeds
  • 1 tbsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp fennel seeds
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp black peppercorns
  • 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds
  • 4-5 whole cloves
  • 1 dried chile (adjust to heat level)
  • 4-5 dried curry leave1 bay leaf
  • 2 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
FOR THE CURRY:
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or ghee
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger (or use minced ginger paste)
  • 2 tbsp Cape Malay curry spice mix
  • 1 large potato, peeled and diced
  • 1 large carrot, sliced
  • 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Garnishes:
  • toasted, sliced almonds
  • chopped cilantro
  • chutney

Instructions

Make the Spice blend:

  • Toast all whole spices (from coriander seeds through bay leaf) in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
  • Cool slightly, then grind into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
  • Stir in the ground turmeric, cinnamon, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Make the Curry:

  1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add garlic, ginger, and curry spice mix. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned.
  5. Stir in potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, broth, apricots and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 25–30 minutes or until chicken is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
  6. Finish with lemon juice and adjust salt and pepper to taste.

To Serve:

  • Steamed basmati rice, roti, or naan
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Optional: a spoonful of fruit chutney on the side

Find it online: https://www.imbored-letsgo.com/cape-malay-chicken-curry/