It is not usual to find exotic spices in Sri Lanka and I was quite surprised to come across some Chinese delicacies in my local grocery store; for these key ingredients are essential to one of my family’s favorite dishes and that is Chinese Chicken Curry.
This curry is not like typical Chinese food with its rich tangy sauces and nor is it like our spicy peppery curries. With the subtle hint of the beautifully petaled star anise coupled with the Chinese five spice powder, the curry introduces your palate to a multitude of flavors that will leave your taste buds in a state of enjoyment.
Why not introduce your family to the flavors of the orient this evening with this delightfully simple and easy curry.
Ingredients
500g Boneless Chicken cubes cut into pieces
1 Large sliced onions
2 Sliced carrots
A tomato chopped
Cup of green peas
¼ Stick of butter
500ml Of chicken stock
2 Star anise
2 Tablespoons of Chinese five spice powder
1 Tablespoon of garam masala
Garlic and ginger crushed and made into paste
1 Tablespoon of tomato paste
Method
In a hot pan add the garlic/ginger paste and stir for a few minutes, then add the onions and tomato, keep stirring.
Coat the chicken in some flour and add to the pan, toss until it is slightly browned.
Now add the five spice powder, garam masala, tomato paste and butter. Coat the chicken well in the spices and let it cook for awhile.
Before it starts to burn add the chicken stock so that the chicken is completely covered, to that add the carrots, peas and the star anise.
Season with salt and pepper and let the curry boil down until it forms a rick velvety liquid. Served with a bowl of sticky rice, it’s a culinary delight!
By Mayuri Jayasinghe
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