Classic strips in a masala with peas and potato
Prep time
20min
Cook time
40min
Serves
6
A comforting and fragrant masala that comes together in less than an hour.
Ingredients:
- 1 Tbsp (15ml) paprika
- 2 tsp (10ml) cumin
- 2 tsp (10ml) garam masala
- 1 tsp (5ml) coriander
- 1 tsp (5ml) turmeric
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1-2 cm knob of ginger
- 1 chilli, sliced
- 1 Tbsp (15ml) tomato paste
- 1 Onion, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can coconut cream
- 1 packet crumbed chicken strips
- To serve, lime and chopped coriander and roti
Method:
- In a small blender or food processor, combine the paprika, cumin, garam masala, coriander, turmeric, garlic, ginger, sliced chili, and tomato paste. Add a tablespoon or two of water if needed to help it blend into a smooth paste. Alternatively, finely mince the garlic and ginger, then mix all the "masala paste" ingredients in a small bowl to form a thick paste.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
- Add the prepared masala paste (or spice blend) to the pot with the onions.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until very fragrant and slightly darkened.
- Stir in the canned diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the cubed potatoes to the pot and stir to coat them in the masala.
- Pour in the coconut cream and stir well. Bring the mixture back to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the sauce is cooking, preheat your oven to 180ºC and cook Southern Fried Chicken Strips from frozen for 15 minutes.
- Add peas to the masala just before serving, continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, uncovered, until the peas are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Add your chicken strips to the masala. Remove from heat.
- Serve hot with roti, garnished with fresh lime wedges and chopped coriander.
