Hot Chilli Chicken

Not for the faint-hearted, this fiery, hot curry is made with a spicy chilli masala paste.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

2 tbsp tomato purée (paste)
2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
2 fresh green chillies, roughly chopped
5 dried red chillies
½ tsp salt

¼ tsp granulated sugar

1 tsp chilli powder

½ tsp paprika

1 tbsp curry paste

1 tbsp oil

½ tsp cumin seeds

1 onion, finely chopped

2 bay leaves

1 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp ground cumin

¼ tsp ground turmeric

400 g can chopped tomatoes

150 ml water

8 chicken thighs, skinned

1 tsp garam masala

sliced fresh green or red chillies, to garnish, chapatis and natural (plain) low fat yogurt, to serve.

Method:

1. Put the tomato purée, chopped garlic cloves, fresh green chillies and the dried red chillies into a food processor or blender.

2. Add the salt, sugar, chilli powder, paprika and curry paste. Process all the ingredients to a smooth paste, stopping once or twice to scrape down any of the mixture that has stuck to the sides of the bowl.

3. Heat the oil in a large heavy pan and fry the cumin seeds for 2 minutes. Add the onion and bay leaves and fry for about 5 minutes.

4. Add the chilli paste and fry for 2-3 minutes. Add the ground coriander, cumin and turmeric and cook for 2 minutes. Tip in the tomatoes.

5. Pour in the water and stir to mix. Bring to the boil and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

6. Add the chicken and garam masala. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is tender. Garnish with sliced green or red chillies and serve with chappatis and natural low fat yogurt.