Kolamba's chicken curry

Step 1

To make the roasted curry powder, put all of the ingredients into a large, deep frying pan and cook over a medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until lightly browned and smelling toasty. Cool, then grind using a pestle and mortar or spice grinder. This will make more than you’ll need but will keep in an airtight jar for a month.

Step 2

Heat the vegetable oil and fry the fenugreek seeds and curry leaves until the leaves start to brown. Add the onion, garlic and ginger, and fry gently for 10 minutes or until the onion is soft. Add the ground turmeric, chilli powder, 2 tsp of the roasted curry powder and the vinegar, and stir well.

Step 3

Add the tomatoes, whole spices, lemongrass and pandan leaf, if using, then add the chicken and season. Stir to coat the chicken pieces in the spices, cover and cook for 10 minutes over a medium heat. Add the coconut milk, cover and cook on low for 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is tender. Stir in the lemon juice and serve with rice.