A logo with a tomato and the words Dinner with Evie
Serves 4
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons of oil
  • 1 black cardamom
  • 3 green cardamoom
  • 1 teaspoon of black mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon of black onion seeds
  • 2 cloves
  • 1 small shard of cinnamon
  • 1 red onion
  • 3 large (or 6 small) cloves of garlic
  • 2 teaspoons of powdered ginger
  • 500g of passata
  • 1 scant tablespoon of turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tablespoon of cumin
  • 1/2 tablespoon of ground corriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • (optional) 1/2 teaspoon of chilli powder
  • 3 chicken breasts
  • basmati rice and greek yoghurt (to serve)
  • 1 teaspoon of salt

Simple Chicken Curry with Smoked Paprika and Onion Seeds

I don't see nearly enough recipes for chicken curry with onion seeds. I have a real fondness for them and for smoked paprika, making this curry another indulgent combo of my favourite things. It's an easygoing dish which uses powdered ginger rather than fresh ginger and passata instead of tomatoes for a super smooth sauce.

a closeup of chicken curry in a thick sauce, speckled with onion seeds

Step 1

Finely chop your onion and get your spices ready. Pour the oil into a wide-bottomed pan.

Step 2

Briefly fry your whole spices in the oil until they fizzle and pop (beware of flying mustard seeds!) then throw in the onion and fry on low for 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing burns.

whole spices (including cinnamon, cardamom and onion seeds) frying in a pan

(You can use this time to crush or chop your garlic.)

Step 3

Turn up the heat a little, then add your powdered spices and salt.

powdered spices arranged on a plate

Step 4

Add your garlic to the pan along with a little water.

Step 4

Pour in the passata and turn the heat down to low again and cook that down for about 10 minutes. Prep your chicken while you're waiting.

Step 5

Turn the heat up to medium-high and brown the chicken in the sauce for a few minutes.

chicken curry with onion seeds cooking

Then add enough cold water to just cover the chicken.

Step 6

Bring to a boil then immediately turn down the heat, partially cover, and simmer until the chicken is cooked (20 minutes max).

chicken curry with onion seeds

a closeup of a pan lid on a cooking pot, slightly ajar

Step 7

Remove the lid, turn the heat up to high and toss the chicken in the sauce / stir for a few minutes to finish thickening the sauce.

Serve with rice and yoghurt or raita, and enjoy!

chicken curry with onion seeds served on white rice in a bowl

A smiling Evie wearing an apron
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