1.5 lbs chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
1 large yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons mild curry powder
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh cilantro for garnish
1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the oil or ghee in a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Step 2: Bloom the Spices: Add the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, salt, and pepper to the onion mixture. Stir constantly for about 1 to 2 minutes. This “blooming” process toasts the spices in the oil, which significantly enhances the depth of flavor in your chicken curry recipe.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken: Increase the heat slightly and add the chicken pieces to the pot. Stir well to coat the chicken in the spice mixture. Cook for 5 minutes, turning the pieces occasionally, until the outside of the chicken is no longer pink.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and the coconut milk. Stir everything together until the sauce is uniform in color. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Final Seasoning: Remove the lid and stir in the lime juice. This adds a pop of acidity that balances the richness of the coconut milk. Taste the sauce and add more salt if needed. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat and garnish the dish generously with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve warm over your favorite base.