Recipe forTom Kerridge’s Chicken &CoconutCurry

TomKerridge’sChicken &CoconutCurry

Award-winningBritishMichelin-starred chef, TomKerridge, shares oneofhisfavourite curry recipeswith VillagePeople.

“I’vealwaysbeeneffusive about curries. Forme,thehotter, thebetter!Not only isthata tastepreferencefor me,butit’s scientificallyproventhat whenwe eatspicychillies ourbrainsare tricked by theheatintoreleasing endorphins, whichresultsin a naturalhigh.So youget ahuge foodsensationon multiplelevels. “Mycurrydishesmakeuse of homemade saucesstuffed full of my favourite spices –curry leaves,turmeric,paprikaandmy secretingredient,vinegar.I’ve always foundtheacidityofthe vinegarcomplementsthespice fantastically,andIrecommend youtryit. “Thecurryscene is really partofBritish food heritage now,so Ihope youenjoythis deliciousrecipe,withitsunique combination of flavour, heartiness andsensory overload.”

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

2onions, finelychopped 8garliccloves,grated 4cmpiecefresh root ginger, peeledand grated 2tsp seasaltflakes 1tsp eachgroundginger, turmeric, cumin and cinnamon 1tsp chillipowder 400mlcancoconut milk

200gchopped tomatoes 50gdesiccatedcoconut 2hot green chillies,thinly sliced 1lemon, juiceonly 6skinless andboneless chicken thighs 6tbsproughlychopped coriander

4tbsp roughlychopped pickledgreen chillies Saltand pepper

METHOD

1. Pour alittleoilintoa large saucepan. Addthe onionsand cookovera lowheatfor 10–15 minutes, or untiltheystart to colour.

2. Addthe garlic andcook, stirring for4–5minutes, or until theonionsare golden. Addthe ginger,salt andallthedry spices, stirand cookfor 2–3minutes,or untilfragrant.

3. Addthe chickenand wait until cookedthrough.Now pour in thecoconut milkand chopped tomatoesandstir.Bring to the boil,then reducetheheatand simmer for10–15minutes, or untilthesaucehas thickened. 4. Dry-frythe desiccatedcoconut in afryingpanuntilgolden. Addittothe currywiththe fresh chillies andcookfor 3–4 minutes,oruntilthickened.

5. Seasonwithlemon juice,salt andpepper. Stir inthecoriander andpickled chillies andserve in warmedbowls.