South Indian Yogurt Curry Recipes

IRRESISTIBLE CHICKEN CURRY

Steps:

• Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces, and then add to a bowl. If you'd like to leave the chicken uncut or if you are using bone-in chicken pieces, the chicken can be left whole.
• Scatter 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper over the chicken. Toss well and set aside to marinate for at least 20 minutes.
• Make ahead: The chicken can be left to marinate up to 24 hours, keep it covered and stored in the refrigerator.
• Add garlic, ginger, onion and 1/2 cup of water to a blender or food processor. Blend until mostly smooth. An immersion blender with cup attachment can also be used.
• Heat the oil or ghee in a wide skillet (with lid) over medium-high heat. Arrange the marinated chicken into the pan so that it is in one layer and brown on both sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and place the skillet back onto the heat.
• Add the onion-ginger mixture and cook, stirring often, until all of the water has evaporated, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon coriander and 1/4 teaspoon turmeric over the onion-ginger mixture, and cook for about 20 seconds. Stir in the tomato paste, turn the heat down to medium-low and then cook another minute.
• Add the yogurt, a tablespoon at a time, stirring it into the sauce before adding anymore.
• Return the chicken pieces and any accumulated juices to the pan along with the remaining cup of water and 3/4 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, turn the heat down to a simmer, and then cover with a lid. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.
• Remove the lid and stir in the Garam Masala and cream. Taste the sauce and add the final 1/4 teaspoon of salt if you feel that it is needed (we almost always add it).
• Turn the heat back up to medium-high and cook, stirring gently every now and them, until the sauce has reduced a bit and thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Serve with fresh cilantro scattered on top.

SOUTH INDIAN CABBAGE WITH YOGURT

Steps:

• Heat the oil over medium heat in a 14-inch wok or 12-inch skillet, and add the mustard seeds and dal (if using). As soon as the mustard seeds begin to pop, add the cumin, chilies or cayenne, coriander seeds and turmeric. Stir together, and add the onion. Cook, stirring, until it begins to soften, about three minutes. Add the cabbage. Cook, stirring, for one minute until it begins to wilt. Salt generously, stir together, cover and turn the heat to low. Cook for about eight minutes until the cabbage is just tender. Stir in the coconut, taste and adjust seasoning. Keep warm.
• Place the yogurt in a bowl, and place the bowl in a pot of hot water. Stir until the yogurt is warm. Scrape into the pan with the cabbage, and fold in. Serve warm with rice.