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Fragrant Nyonya Chicken Curry

28 November 2024

This vibrant and fragrant curry is the perfect addition to your weeknight rotation. Best served with nasi kunyit (tumeric rice).

You can find this recipe and more in The Golden Wok by Diana Chan, in bookstores now.

Nyonya Chicken Curry

Serves: 6

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

Cooking Time: 40 Minutes

Ingredients

125 ml (4 fl oz/ ½ cup) neutral flavoured cooking oil

1 kg (2 lb 3 oz) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, chopped

20 g (¾ oz) makrut lime leaves, plus extra, thinly shredded, for garnish

300 ml (10 fl oz) coconut milk

salt, to taste

steamed jasmine rice to serve

Spice Paste

100 g (3½ oz) red Asian shallots, roughly chopped

30 g (1 oz) garlic

10 g (¼ oz) dried chillies, rehydrated in hot water for

15 minutes and drained

60 g (2 oz) long red chillies, roughly chopped

60 g (2 oz) piece fresh turmeric, roughly chopped

30 g (1 oz) piece fresh galangal, roughly chopped

Method

To make the spice paste, blend all the spice paste ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth. Add 1 tablespoon water to get it going, if required.

Heat a wok over a medium heat then add the oil. Fry the spice paste until fragrant – this should take about 5 minutes.

Add the chicken, lime leaves and coconut milk. Mix to combine. Season with salt then cover the wok with a domed lid. Simmer, stirring occasionally, over low heat for 30–35 minutes until cooked through.

Garnish with reserved lime leaves. Serve with rice.