Murghi Korma

Ingredients :

1 tsp poppy seeds
1 kg chicken pieces
4 med onions
3 clv garlic
2 1/2 x cm piece fresh root ginger.
2 tbl desiccated coconut
2 x green chillies
1/2 tsp turmeric
50 gm fresh coriander leaves
3 tbl ghee
4 x cloves
2 1/2 x cm stick cinnamon
2 x black cardamoms
Small pinch ground nutmeg
Salt to taste
4 tbl full fat natural yoghurt, lightly whisked
450 ml water or chicken stock
1 tbl lemon juice

Method :

* Soak the poppy seeds in a little hot water for 15 minutes then drain thoroughly. Thinly slice two of the onions and reserve. Chop the remaining onions and process with the garlic, ginger, coconut, poppy seeds, green chillies, turmeric and half the coriander leaves until they form a smooth paste. Coarsely chop the remaining coriander leaves. Heat the ghee in a heavy based saucepan. Add the cloves, cinnamon, cardamoms, nutmeg and salt. Stir-fry the spices for 2 to 3 minutes then add the sliced onion.

* Continue to stir-fry until the onion is golden brown, then add the paste and cook for a few more minutes. Add the chicken pieces, the chopped coriander leaves and yoghurt and stir-fry for a few minutes until all the ingredients are well blended. Pour in the measured water or stock. Bring to the boil then reduce heat and allow to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked and the sauce thickened, approximately one hour. Stir in the lemon juice and serve immediately