Chicken Peanut Curry
This chile pepper gets its name from its origin. In Spanish, serrano is an adjective meaning “from the mountains” which is where it originated-in the mountains of Hildalgo, Mexico. The serrano is normally about twice as hot as Jalapeno (about 10,000 to 15,000 Scoville units). It is the second most popular chile pepper in Mexico. This chile is used mostly for salsas but can also be used in soups, sauces, chili or stews. Try these as a hotter substitute for Jalapeno.
Ingredients:
3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken pieces, cut into 1-1/2″ pieces
1/2 cup flour
4 Tbsp. curry powder
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground peppercorns
1/2 cup olive oil
2 Tbsp. fresh ginger, minced
2 Tbsp. garlic, minced
2 serrano chile peppers, seeded, de-veined and minced
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup peanut butter (if using freshly ground peanuts, add 2 tsp. of sugar)
1 tsp. ground coriander seeds
8 green onions, chopped, greens included
1/3 cup each finely chopped mint and cilantro
2 limes cut into wedges
Instructions:
Rinse the chicken pieces and pat them dry. In a small sturdy paper bag, combine the flour, curry powder, salt and pepper. Shake well. Add the chicken pieces and shake to coat well.
Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-10 minutes (depending on the size of the chicken pieces) tossing occasionally to cook the chicken evenly. Add the ginger, garlic, chile peppers and 1/2 cup of the chicken broth to the saucepan. Cook for 3 minutes, scraping the pan with a spatula and stirring to combine everything well.
Add the peanut butter, stirring quickly to incorporate it with the chicken. Add the remaining 3-1/2 cups of broth slowly, stirring continuously to maintain an even texture. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes. Right before serving, add the coriander and green onions. Salt to taste.
Serve with rice and top each serving with fresh cilantro and mint. Squeeze a little lime juice over it as well.
Yields 6-8 servings.
Recipe from www.elise.com.