Monday, 11 November 2024

Cornish Chicken Curry in Potjie

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 kg (2.2 lbs) chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or mixed)
  • 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or olive oil)
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 2–3 tbsp curry powder (mild, medium, or hot based on preference)
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1–2 fresh chilies, chopped (optional)
  • 3 large tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can of chopped tomatoes)
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup (250ml) chicken stock
  • 1 cup (250ml) coconut milk (or cream)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Fire and Potjie:

    • Light your fire and let the coals burn down to a moderate heat.
    • Place the potjie pot over the coals to heat up.
  2. Sauté

    • Add the oil to the potjie and heat.
    • Fry the onions until golden and soft.
    • Add garlic, ginger, and chilies, stirring for about 2 minutes.
  3. Add Spices:

    • Stir in curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika.
    • Cook for another 1-2 minutes to release the spices' aroma.
  4. Brown the Chicken:

    • Add chicken pieces to the potjie and brown them on all sides.
  5. Add Vegetables and Liquids:

    • Layer the tomatoes, potatoes, and carrots over the chicken.
    • Pour in the chicken stock and coconut milk. Season with salt and pepper.
    • Do not stir once layered.
  6. Simmer:

    • Cover the potjie with its lid and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
    • Check occasionally to ensure the potjie isn’t too dry; add more stock if needed. Avoid stirring to keep the layers intact.
  7. Serve:

    • Once the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded, garnish with fresh cilantro.
    • Serve with rice, pap, or freshly baked bread.

Tips:

  • For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken in the spices and some yogurt for a few hours beforehand.
  • Adjust the heat by controlling the number of coals under the potjie.

Melting Moments Butter Biscuit

 Here’s a classic Melting Moments recipe—perfect for a sweet, buttery treat that literally melts in your mouth!



Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • ½ cup (65g) cornstarch, sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

  2. Make the Cookie Dough:

    • In a large bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
    • Add the vanilla extract and mix.
    • Gradually sift in the flour, cornstarch, and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  3. Shape the Cookies:

    • Roll small balls of dough (about 1-inch/2.5cm in diameter).
    • Place them on the prepared baking tray, spaced slightly apart.
    • Gently press each ball down with a fork to create a pattern.
  4. Bake:

    • Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
    • Let them cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. decorate with melted chocolate.
    • Tips:

      • Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
      • You can add lemon zest or passionfruit pulp to the filling for a tangy twist.