How to Make Oil-Free Chicken Curry: A Healthy and Flavorful Recipe

Looking for a healthier and more flavorful way to prepare chicken curry? Discover how to make an oil-free chicken curry that is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. This recipe demonstrates the simplicity of using water or broth to cook and flavor your curry while retaining its rich and aromatic essence.

Ingredients

1 lb 450g chicken breast or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces 1 large onion finely chopped 3-4 cloves garlic minced 1 inch ginger minced 2-3 medium tomatoes pureed or finely chopped 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water 1 cup coconut milk (optional for creaminess) 1-2 green chilies slit (optional for heat) 1 tsp cumin seeds 1 tsp turmeric powder 1 tbsp garam masala 1 tsp coriander powder Salt to taste fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, add the chopped onions. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until they become translucent. If they start to stick, add a splash of water or broth to deglaze the pot. Add Ginger and Garlic: Once the onions are translucent, add the minced ginger and garlic. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Spices: Add the cumin seeds, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and green chilies. Stir and cook for another minute. Tomatoes: Add the pureed or chopped tomatoes. Cook until the mixture thickens and the flavor intensifies, which may take about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally, adding water or broth as needed to prevent sticking. Add Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Stir well to coat the chicken with the spice mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes. Add Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through. Coconut Milk: If using coconut milk, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking to add creaminess. Season: Add salt to taste and sprinkle garam masala on top. Stir to combine. Garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve: Serve hot with rice, quinoa, or whole grain bread.

Tips

Flavor: Adjust spices according to your taste. Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach for extra nutrition and a delightful texture.

Cooking Method: For a more hands-off approach, you can use a slow cooker or an Instant Pot. Adjust the cooking times accordingly in these appliances for optimal results.

Conclusion

Enjoy a healthy and flavorful oil-free chicken curry that is both nutritious and satisfying. This recipe not only eliminates the need for excess oil but also retains the rich and aromatic flavors essential to curry cooking. Experiment with your own spices and ingredients to make it yours. Happy cooking!

Keywords: oil-free chicken curry, healthy chicken curry, no-oil cooking