Singapore Style Nyonya Curry Recipes

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Put 200ml water and the curry paste in a large ovenproof saucepan. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer over a low heat until the mixture is fragrant.
• Add the chicken, potatoes, carrots and onion, season and stir well to combine. Turn up the heat to medium and bring to the boil, stir in the coconut milk, then bring back to the boil. Remove from the heat, cover the pan and transfer to the oven to cook for 1 hr 15 mins, removing the lid after 45 mins, or until the veg is tender but not quite falling apart, and the chicken is cooked through. The curry should have a broth-like consistency. Check for seasoning.
• Serve in shallow bowls over rice, with some naan breads on the side, if you like. Will keep covered in the fridge for up to two days.

Steps:

• Using a mortar and pestle, pound, in this order, the ginger, the garlic and the shallots until they are fine. The ingredients may also be finely ground in the container of a blender or food processor.
• Mix the curry powder with one-half cup water and blend to a paste. Mix half the curry paste with the pounded ginger, garlic and shallot mixture, and rub all over the chicken pieces. Marinate at least one-half hour.
• Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat. The oil should be very hot. Add remaining curry paste and fry for three to four minutes, or until paste is fragrant and turns a rich, dark brown.
• Add the marinated chicken and reduce heat to medium, stirring constantly for about 10 minutes, or until spices are cooked.
• Add the coconut milk and bring to a boil over high heat. Add potatoes and salt, and cook over medium heat for 30 minutes, or until chicken is tender and potatoes cooked. Note that this dish is better the second day. If the curry will be reheated later, slightly undercook at this stage so that the potatoes do not become mushy. Traditionally, this dish is served with fresh hot French bread for soaking up the thick gravy.