Easy Thai Curry

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs.(about 1 kg) chicken drumsticks or thighs
• 1 can good-quality coconut milk
• 1/2 cup good-tasting chicken stock
• 2 medium potatoes, chopped into small chunks
• 1/2 tsp. whole cumin seed
• 2 kaffir lime leaves OR 2 bay leaves
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped small chunks
• 2-3 Tbsp. dry shredded coconut, sweetened or unsweetened
• handful fresh basil
• 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• CURRY PASTE:
• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• 4-5 cloves garlic
• 1 thumb-size piece galangal OR ginger
• 3/4 tsp. ground turmeric (or 1 tsp. fresh, minced)
• 1/2 tsp. ground coriander
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1-2 fresh red chilies, minced, OR 1/2 to 3/4 tsp. dried crushed chili from the spice aisle
• 1/8 tsp. white or black pepper
• 3 Tbsp. fresh-squeezed lime juice (or lemon juice)
• 3 Tbsp. fish sauce
• 2 Tbsp. ketchup
• 1 heaping Tbsp. brown sugar
• 3/4 tsp. shrimp paste

Preparation:

1. Place all 'curry paste' ingredients in your food processor or blender. Add 3-4 Tbsp. of the coconut milk to help blend ingredients and blitz to create a fragrant Thai curry paste.
2. Heat a wok or deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Drizzle in the oil and swirl around, then add the curry paste. Stir-fry 1 minute to release the fragrance, then add the chicken pieces. Turn pieces to coat, then add the stock and remaining coconut milk. Also add the potatoes, lime leaves or bay leaves and whole cumin seed. Stir and bring to a gentle boil.
3. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low, gently simmering 15 minutes. Stir occasionally.
4. Add the tomatoes and stir, then continue cooking another 15 minutes, or until chicken has achieved desired tenderness.
5. While curry is cooking, prepare the topping. Place shredded coconut in a dry frying pan over medium-high heat. Stir until coconut turns light golden brown. Transfer to a bowl and set aside to cool.
6. When chicken and potatoes are tender, remove from heat. Add 3/4 of the toasted coconut and stir in. Taste-test the curry, adding more fish sauce for more salt/flavor. If you find it too salty or sweet, add more lime or lemon juice. Add more chili for more intense spiciness.
7. Portion out curry into bowls or plates. Top each one with fresh basil and a generous sprinkling of the toasted coconut. Serve with plenty of steamed jasmine rice on the side, OR my Saffron-Coconut Rice. ENJOY!