Caril de Galinha
A mild and flavorful chicken curry from Timor-Leste, featuring tender chicken simmered in coconut milk with a blend of aromatic spices. It's a comforting and popular dish, often served with rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken(cut into pieces)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 tbsp Ground turmeric
- 1 tbsp Ground coriander
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 2 leaves Bay leaves
- 1 stick Cinnamon stick
- 1 cup Coconut milk
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(or to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- 2
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and cook until the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
- 4
Stir in the ground turmeric, coriander, cumin, and paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5
Add the bay leaves and cinnamon stick, then pour in the coconut milk. Stir well to combine.
- 6
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- 7
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove bay leaves and cinnamon stick before serving.
- 8
Serve the Caril de Galinha hot, typically with steamed rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can marinate the chicken in some of the spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- ✓If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer the curry uncovered for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
- ✓Add a pinch of chili flakes for a touch of heat if desired.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers along with the chicken.
- Use chicken thighs for a more succulent curry.
- A splash of tamarind paste can add a pleasant tanginess.