Chicken Pathia

Ingredients

• 45 ml (3 tbsp) vegetable oil
• 500 ml (2 cups) chopped onions
• 10 ml (2 tsp) garlic, crushed
• 5cm (2 in) fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 1.25 ml (1/4 tsp) salt
• 1.25 ml (1/4 tsp) turmeric powder
• 450 g (1lb) chicken breasts, cubed
• 2 green chillies, finely chopped
• 5 ml (1 tsp) cumin powder
• 5 ml (1 tsp) ground cayenne
• 250 ml (1 cup) chopped tomatoes
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) tomato paste
• 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) white vinegar
• 10 ml (2 tsp) brown sugar or jaggery
• 1 fresh lime, juiced
• 125 ml (1/2 cup) water

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat oil in a heavy saucepan. Add the onions, garlic, bay leaf, salt and turmeric powder and fry until the mixture turns golden brown. It should take about 5 minutes.

2. 2

   Add the chicken to the pan and brown the meat.

3. 3

   The other spices: chillies, cumin and cayenne should now be added and stirred in thoroughly.

4. 4

   Add the tomatoes and fry until they form a shiny paste and the oil starts to separate.

5. 5

   Add the tomato paste, vinegar, lime juice, sugar and water.

6. 6

   Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Simmer for 10 minutes then turn off the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes.

7. 7

   Sprinkle chopped coriander on top and garnish with a slice of lime.