Chicken Curry

Nothing like a delicious chicken curry to start off the New Year. Chicken curry invokes great childhood memories of yummy meals my Mom made. A balanced Indian meal includes some protein, vegetables and some healthy whole grains. In this case I made the chicken, lentils with spinach. I also made a quick tomato salad. I also made fresh whole wheat rotis. It was a delicious, balanced meal. How did I make the curry, you ask? Well, it was quite easy.It helps if you can marinate the chicken in advance- it gives the dish amazing flavor.

The curry part of the dish was simple- made with onions, tomatoes and chicken broth. I also added some spices like cardamom and cloves.

The dish was delicious and very easy to make- and healthy!

• 1 pound chicken thighs, with or without bones, without skin
• ½ cup non-fat Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons half and half
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 inch fresh ginger, grated
• Juice of one lemon
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons garam masala

Mix the yogurt, half and half, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, salt and garam masala in a bowl. Add to a zip lock bag with the chicken and marinate in the fridge overnight or at least 2 hours. Keep aside.

• 1 medium yellow onion, cut in half
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, washed
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 green cardamoms, crushed
• 2 cloves

Add the onion, tomatoes, chicken broth, cardamom and cloves to a medium pan. Bring to a boil and simmer covered for 30 minutes or till everything is soft and mushy. Blend in a blender till smooth.

• 2 tablespoons extra light olive oil
• ½ cinnamon stick
• Salt
• ½ cup cilantro, chopped

Heat a large saucepan with the olive oil and cinnamon stick. Add the blended onion mixture and sauté on medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the chicken including the marinade. Mix well and cook on a medium heat covered for 20 minutes or till the chicken is cooked through. Take the lid off and turn the heat up to cook the extra moisture off, about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Check for seasonings and garnish with cilantro.