Curries are traditionally defined as culinary dishes that include a variety of herbs and spices. Experiment with traditional Indian and Thai-based flavors for a unique dinner that can't be beat.
Indian Chicken Curry
Instead of going out to eat, try this Indian curry recipe at home. Serves 6.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1 large white onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh garlic, peeled and minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground tumeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon water
- 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
Directions
- Sprinkle chicken pieces with two teaspoons salt.
- Pour oil in a large skillet, and warm over medium heat.
- Cook chicken in skillet for two to three minutes per side, or until evenly browned.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Add onion, garlic, and ginger to skillet, and cook for eight minutes or until onions are translucent.
- Add curry powder, cumin, tumeric, coriander, cayenne, and one tablespoon water to the skillet, and cook for one minute, stirring constantly.
- Add tomatoes, yogurt, one tablespoon cilantro, and one teaspoon salt to skillet, and stir until well combined.
- Return chicken to the skillet, along with a half-cup of water.
- Braise the chicken breasts with the sauce until they are well coated.
- Sprinkle the garam masala and remaining one tablespoon cilantro over the chicken breasts.
- Cover the skillet and allow the curry mixture to simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken breasts are no longer pink in the center.
- Serve chicken curry over white or brown rice as desired.
Thai Chicken Curry
Coconut milk is a staple in many Thai recipes. When combined with curry paste, lemongrass, chicken, and other traditional Thai flavors, you'll have a one-of-a-kind curry recipe that can't be beat! Serves 4.
Ingredients
- 1 small white onion, thinly sliced
- 1 stalk lemongrass, peeled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon red Thai curry paste, plus more as desired
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 15-ounces coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
Directions
- Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add onions to saucepan and cook for three to five minutes, or until translucent.
- Add the curry paste to the saucepan and cook for one minute, stirring constantly.
- Add chicken to saucepan and cook pieces until they are browned on all sides.
- Add lemongrass, fish sauce, sugar, and coconut milk to saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat until the liquids simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in the center.
- Stir coriander into the pan and add more curry paste as desired.
- Serve chicken curry over white or brown rice as desired.
Chicken and Vegetable Curry
This curry recipe is not only tasty, but also chock-full of vegetables. Serve it over brown rice for a complete, balanced meal. Serves 4.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1/4 cup red Thai curry paste
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 1/2 cup carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 1/4 cups coconut milk
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
Directions
- Heat one tablespoon of oil, curry paste, and onions in a large skillet over medium heat for five to six minutes, or until soft.
- Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown on all sides.
- Add broccoli, carrots, basil, garlic, and lime to skillet, and cook for two minutes.
- Add coconut milk, chicken stock, and tomatoes to skillet, and bring to a boil.
- Cover skillet, reduce heat, and allow mixture to simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Serve chicken and vegetable curry over white or brown rice as desired.
Spice It Up
Eating out can be expensive -- especially when you have a large family. Fortunately, eating tasty and nutritionally-sound Indian and Thai curry recipes doesn't have to break the bank. Make these recipes at home for a balanced, affordable meal that your family will love.