Chicken Curry

When I first moved out I think Mum was a little nervous. Yes I could cook and I would cook the occasional pasta sauce or meal for myself but it is entirely different cooking a meal now and then, and cooking every day for yourself. When I called home and explained to mum what I had just made chicken curry for dinner I think she knew I would be ok.

This recipe is one of my oldest and we make it frequently, which is rare for me because I usually make something once or twice then move on to a new challenge. I found the base recipe on a website but I have since changed it quite dramatically and I adjust it everytime I make it depending on what I have in the fridge so each batch is unique. The original print out is worn and creased from being in the binder and the margins are filled with notes and additions. All the years of work have created a curry that balances sweetness of the fruit and tomatoes with the spice of the ginger and paprika.

            1/4 cup olive oil
            3 onions, chopped

Fry the onions in olive oil until browned.

            1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
            1 bay leaf

Add the cinnamon and the bay leaf.

            2 cloves crushed garlic
            1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
            1 teaspoon paprika
            3 tablespoons curry powder
            1/2 teaspoon white sugar

            1 pinch salt

Continue stirring and add the ginger, paprika, curry powder, sugar, salt, and garlic. Continue stirring for 2 minutes. Mixture will become much like a paste.

             1 (3 pound) whole chicken, skin removed and cut into pieces
            1 tablespoon tomato paste 

Add chicken pieces and tomato.

            water to cover

Add enough water to just cover the chicken. Simmer until chicken is done, about 20 minutes.

            Juice of 1 Lemon

            Juice of 1 Orange
            Juice of 1 Lime
            1 Banana - mashed
            1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Just before serving, add the lemon juice and the cayenne pepper. 

Simmer for 5 more minutes until the flavours mix and then serve.