Hearty Coconut Curry with chicken, chickpeas, and green peas

I will admit, I was a bit intimidated at first to try this dish. I had never made a curry before, Now keep in mind this is just a VERY basic curry, but I think it is a great starting point if you are just learning the wonders of Indian cooking. So please give it a try it is wonderfully flavorful!!

 

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons curry powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon paprika

1 bay leaf

1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger root

1/2 teaspoon white sugar

salt to taste

2 skinless, boneless chicken breast

halves - cut into bite-size pieces

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 cup plain yogurt

3/4 cup coconut milk

1/2 lemon, juiced

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

 

Directions:

1)Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Saute onion until lightly browned. Stir in garlic, curry powder, cinnamon, paprika, bay leaf, ginger, sugar and salt. Continue stirring for 2 minutes. Add chicken pieces, tomato paste, yogurt, and coconut milk. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.

2) Remove bay leaf, and stir in lemon juice and cayenne pepper. Simmer 5 more minutes.