This recipe comes from my home. My mother used to make it for us during the hot days of summer.
Yogurt does wonders for cooling the body and digestion, so we always enjoyed this healthy, hearty, wholesome dish. The origin of the dish is northern Indian, but many mothers across India make this dish with their own spin. Yogurt is popular in the cooking of northern India, while coconut milk is more common in the southern coastal areas. I have used chicken, but this recipe can also be made using fish or vegetables. It is best served with rice.
Add the ground masala ingredients and stir for 30 seconds. Add 2 cups (480 ml) water, bring to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low and simmer until the sauce thickens, 8 to 10 minutes.
Add the chicken, return the heat to medium, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until it is about three-quarters cooked, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, and simmer until the chicken has cooked completely, 8 to 10 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk the yogurt thoroughly. Just before serving, gradually mix the yogurt into the curry, stirring slowly. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or so to heat through, without letting it come to a boil.Taste, add salt, if needed, and remove from the heat.
Sprinkle with the chopped cilantro, and serve.
Leyla Moushabeck, ed. 2018, Interlink Books, 978-1-56656-038-2, $35 hb, www.interlinkbooks.com.
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