Chicken Coconut Kurma

Back in our college days, my favorite restaurant to go to was an Indian place called the Bombay House.  They had this incredible coconut kurma that was easily one of my favorite dishes.  Ever since I've started making my own Indian food, I'm been wanting to try a coconut kurma and finally made it happen.  And let me tell you, this was a winner.  It is definitely a part of our regular repertoire now.  I was a little nervous about the raisins in it at first (I don't really love raisins), but I decided to give it a shot and it was so worth it.  The little punch of sweetness they add to the kurma is the perfect balance to the the savory spiciness of the sauce.  Also, there is some planning ahead required for the marinating time, but after that it is quick and easy so what's not to love?

Chicken Coconut Kurma

Number of Servings: 6
Time to Prepare: 2 hours 30 minutes

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp coriander
• 1/8-1/4 tsp cayenne
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cumin
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/8-1/4 tsp cayenne
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp coriander
• 15 oz can diced tomatoes
• 15 oz can coconut milk
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup cream
• 1/2 cup cashews
• 1/3 cup raisins (golden raisins if you have them)
• chopped cilantro
• shredded coconut

 Cut the chicken into 1" pieces.  Place in a ziploc bag with sour cream, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp coriander, 1/8-1/4 tsp cayenne, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp garam masala, and cumin.  Refrigerate for anywhere from 2 to 24 hours.

In a large saute pan or a dutch oven, cook the chicken over medium high heat for 4-5 minutes on each side, until no longer pink in the middle.  Remove to a plate and set aside.

In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat.  Add the garlic and onion and cook for 1 minute.  Add the ginger, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/8-1/4 tsp cayenne, 1/2 tsp garam masala, salt, and 1 tsp coriander.  Cook and stir for 1 minute.

Stir in tomatoes (including liquid), coconut milk, cream, and raisins.  Bring to a boil and let simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.

Stir in the chicken and cashews, then add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve over hot, cooked rice and garnish with chopped cilantro and shredded coconut.

Source: adapted from Mattawa Mum
Produce Used: Onion, garlic, cilantro, coconut