Nauru Pandanus Chicken Curry
A flavorful chicken curry incorporating the unique taste of pandanus fruit, simmered in coconut milk with aromatic spices. This dish reflects the use of local fruits and the influence of Southeast Asian flavors in Nauruan cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g Chicken thighs(boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp Pandanus fruit extract(or pandanus paste)
- 400 ml Coconut milk(full-fat)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch Ginger(grated)
- 2 tsp Curry powder
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 0.5 tsp Chili flakes(or to taste)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
- for garnish Fresh cilantro
- for serving Cooked rice
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the curry powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and chili flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
- 4
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- 5
Pour in the coconut milk and the pandanus fruit extract. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- 6
Bring the curry to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally.
- 7
Season with salt to taste. If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken it.
- 8
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with cooked rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Pandanus fruit extract can be found in Asian specialty stores or online. If unavailable, you can omit it, but it adds a unique flavor.
- ✓Adjust chili flakes to your preferred level of spice.
- ✓For a richer curry, use only full-fat coconut milk.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a handful of spinach or other leafy greens in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Include diced root vegetables like taro or sweet potato along with the chicken.