| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 490 | 20g | 6g | 45g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 38g | 5g | 38g | 1.9g |
As someone born and raised in New Jersey with a hearty appetite for Italian-American delicacies certified by my Italian grandparents, I have a soft spot for recipes that bring families together over a good meal. One such recipe that takes me on a culinary adventure is Vietnamese Cinnamon Chicken Curry, a tingle to the taste buds that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful. This fruit based recipe is a delightful amalgamation of the bold and aromatic traits of Vietnamese cuisine with the subtle and comforting touch of chicken curry.
Fusion Food at Its Finest
Being a grandfather, I’ve learned to appreciate the magic of fusion in family and in food, and this Vietnamese Cinnamon Chicken Curry embodies that. This dish brings an unexpected combination of ingredients like the Vietnamese cinnamon, curry powder, coconut milk, and the all-important chicken together. Standing out among these carefully curated ingredients are ripe mangoes and pomegranate seeds, which bring a refreshing, sweet twist to this typically savory dish. It reminds me of the wonderful moments of experimenting in my grandma’s kitchen, adding a dash of this and a sprinkle of that, to conjure up a meal that’s special and different. And much like my Spaghetti and Meatballs, this dish brims with love and comfort.
A Blend of Health and Heartiness
Of course, as a keen hiker, I can’t overlook the health benefits of this majestic dish. This meal is packed with rich proteins, essential vitamins, and minerals that come from the chicken, vegetables, and fruits. Not to mention, the curry and turmeric are known to have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Moreover, it’s always a bonus to have a dish that is as excited about your health as your taste buds. So whether you’re preparing a family dinner or planning a get-together, this scrumptious dish is a perfect choice.
Now, turning to dishes this Vietnamese Cinnamon Chicken Curry resembles or pairs well with, your palate might notice a kinship with the sweet and spicy Panang Chicken Curry, or the comforting, mild Massaman Curry (source). For those of you who might fancy a complete meal, a refreshing Papaya Salad on the side or perhaps a Mango Sticky Rice for dessert would complement this curry beautifully (source)!
So there it is, my thoughts on the Vietnamese Cinnamon Chicken Curry. It’s a recipe that not only replicates the spirit of fusion, health, and heritage that my other recipes reflect, but stands out on its own as an unprecedented adventure to the taste-buds!
What You’ll Need
- 3 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons Vietnamese cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 2 teaspoons turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 inch piece of ginger, peeled and minced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped into rounds
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup of coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 large lime, juiced
- 3 cups of cooked Jasmine rice
- 3 tablespoons of fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- 2 mangoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup of pomegranate seeds
Method
Step One
Start by heating the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 3 lbs of chicken thighs into the pot. Cook the chicken until it is thoroughly cooked and browned on all sides. This will take about 10 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
Step Two
In the same pot, add 2 tablespoons of Vietnamese cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of curry powder, 2 teaspoons of turmeric and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir these spices into the oil, allowing them to cook for about 30 seconds. This process will help to release the fragrant aromas of the spices.
Step Three
Add the minced garlic, minced ginger and diced onions into the pot. Sauté the ingredients until the onions become translucent. This step will take about 5 minutes. Then, add the chopped carrots and bell peppers to the pot, sautéing until they begin to soften.
Step Four
Return the cooked chicken to the pot, and pour in the fish sauce, soy sauce, and coconut milk. Add a tablespoon of brown sugar to balance the flavors. Let this simmer over low heat for about 20-30 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together, and for the chicken to absorb all the wonderful flavors.
Step Five
Just before serving, stir in the juice of one large lime. This will add a burst of freshness to the dish. Serve the curry over cooked Jasmine rice, and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Top it off with the chopped mangoes and pomegranate seeds. These additions bring refreshing flavors and textures to the dish.
Step Six
This Vietnamese Cinnamon Chicken Curry is now ready to be enjoyed! Its blend of spices and flavors makes it a delicious meal that’s sure to impress.
