MALAYSIAN CHICKEN CURRY

prep + cook time 4½ hours serves 6

3 stalks lemongrass, chopped coarsely

6cm piece fresh turmeric, peeled, chopped

4 fresh long red chillies, seeded, chopped

8 shallots, chopped

6 cloves garlic, chopped

1 tsp sea salt flakes

¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil

4 chicken marylands (1.4kg), skin removed

1 cup (250ml) coconut milk

3cm piece galangal or ginger, sliced thinly

2 tbsp tamarind puree

8 kaffir lime leaves fried shallots and coriander leaves, to serve serving idea Serve with lime wedges and steamed jasmine rice topped with toasted coconut flakes. keep Suitable to freeze at the end of step 4, before topping with fried shallots and coriander.

1 Process lemongrass, turmeric, chilli, shallots, garlic and salt in a food processor to a paste.

2 Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook spice paste, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes or until fragrant and dry.

3 Transfer spice mixture to a 4.5-litre (18-cup) slow cooker. Add chicken; toss until well coated in spice mixture. Add 1 cup (250ml) water, ½ cup (125ml) of the coconut milk, the galangal, tamarind and lime leaves. Cook, covered, on low for 4 hours.

4 Stir through remaining coconut milk. Serve curry topped with fried shallots and coriander leaves.