Caribbean Curry Powder Recipes

Steps:

• Combine the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, anise seeds, fenugreek seeds, and allspice berries in a skillet. Toast over medium heat until the color of the spices slightly darkens, and the spices are very fragrant, about 10 minutes. Remove the spices from the skillet, and allow to cool to room temperature. Grind the spices with the turmeric in a spice grinder. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Steps:

• Add the cumin, coriander, poppy and mustard seeds to a nonstick pan, toast them over medium heat until the mustard seeds start to jump about.
• Add the cloves and pepper and mix.
• Remove from heat and grind the mixture either with a mortar or a food processor/blender.
• When finely ground, mix well with the tumeric and ginger.
• Put the mixture through a fine sieve and store in a covered glass jar.

Steps:

• Place chicken in a large bowl. Season chicken with the garlic powder, 2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, making sure it's evenly coated. Let come to room temperature.
• Heat a deep Dutch oven or heavy pan over medium-high. Drizzle in the olive oil. Add sliced onions, season with salt and pepper. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, stir to combine, and cook until soft and fragrant, 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic, stirring to keep the garlic from scorching, and cook for 30 seconds or until tender. Using a pair of tongs or a spoon, remove onions and garlic from the pan; set aside in a bowl.
• If needed, add more oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the room-temperature chicken to the pan, and sear chicken on both sides, in batches if necessary, until golden brown, about 7 to 8 minutes total.
• Sprinkle curry powder over and around chicken. Let the spices bloom and toast until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
• Add reserved onions and garlic to the pan. Using a paring knife, pierce the Scotch bonnet pepper. Add to the pan. Add potatoes, and stir to evenly coat chicken and potatoes.
• Pour in chicken stock to nearly cover the chicken. Add the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Bring to a simmer. Remove Scotch bonnet pepper. Cover pot and cook for 30 minutes, or until chicken is tender and falling off the bone. Taste and adjust the curry powder, salt and pepper as needed.
• In a small bowl, combine cornstarch with 1/4 cup water to form a slurry. (The chicken curry can be eaten as is, like a soup, or slurry can be added to thicken the sauce to a gravy-like consistency.) Add 1 tablespoon of the slurry, and bring to a boil to thicken, adding more slurry to reach desired consistency. Retrieve bay leaf and thyme stems and discard. Serve with rice.