Chicken Massaman Curry

Step 1

Bash the lemongrass and remove the bottom stems and outer husks. Set aside the core and stems/husks, keeping them separate. Halve the chilli.

Step 2

For the curry, bring ¼ of the coconut milk to a boil in a large lidded pan set over a medium heat. Simmer for about 5 mins, stirring occasionally, to allow the water to evaporate, leaving just a shiny oily surface.

Step 3

Add the curry paste and mix well. Let the mixture simmer for about 4 mins, stirring frequently, until it has thickened and the coconut oil has separated from the paste, then add the star anise and cinnamon stick and cook for another minute. If the paste sticks to the bottom of the pot, deglaze with a bit more coconut milk.

Step 4

Now add the palm sugar, tamarind paste, fish sauce, and peanut butter with a pinch of salt and mix well. Then add ⅘ of the remaining coconut milk (set the rest aside for garnish later) and the halves of chilli. Mix well and scrape the bottom to make sure no curry paste is stuck. Add the chicken thighs and bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Partially cover the pan with a lid and let the mixture simmer gently for 35 mins, stirring halfway through.

Step 5

Meanwhile make the rice. Wash the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Transfer to a rice cooker along with the coconut milk, water, salt and ½ the lemongrass stems/husks. Cook for one cycle of the rice cooker.

Step 6

Meanwhile, cut the potatoes into golf-ball-sized chunks. Halve the tofu puffs and quarter the onion lengthways. When the chicken cooking time is up, remove the chicken to a large bowl and set aside to cool.

Step 7

Add the potato, tofu puffs, onions, water and remaining lemongrass husks/stems to the curry and mix to combine. Simmer for another 15 mins with the lid on. The potatoes should just be fork tender; do not overcook it or it will thicken the curry sauce.

Step 8

Meanwhile, finely slice the lime leaves and reserved lemongrass core, and pick the coriander leaves.

Step 9

When the potato has finished cooking, debone the cooled chicken, break it into large chunks, and return it to the pot. Gently mix and adjust the seasoning if needed with any extra fish sauce or tamarind paste. Turn off the heat, and leave to rest, with the lid on, for 15 mins.

Step 10

Before serving, reheat the curry over a low-medium heat just until simmering (you don't want to toughen the chicken or overcook the potatoes).

Step 11

Divide the rice between bowls and ladle over the curry. Top with the coriander leaves, lime leaves, sliced lemongrass and a drizzle of leftover coconut milk.