BEST Cold Remedy - Spicy Chicken Curry
Dr. Mom's Healthy Tips:
Anti-inflammatory foods help fight seasonal colds and sinus infections.
Allium vegetables (onion and garlic) are foods high in antioxidants.
Ginger, turmeric, cayenne, cloves and pepper are compounds high in anti-inflammatory power.
I remember when we were young in India. Whenever anyone had an upper respiratory infection (cold), my mother would make chicken curry with lots of spice, causing our noses to run constantly as our sinuses opened up. Back then we only ate meat on Sundays. Therefore, getting a cold wasn’t so bad, because we'd get an extra meal of chicken curry to enjoy! Yum!
Easy Chicken Curry
Total Cook Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
1 package chicken thighs (I prefer with bones), diced into 1-inch cubes
May substitute with chicken breast
2 tbsp. cooking olive oil
1 inch cinnamon stick
2 cloves
2 tbsp. ginger-garlic paste
2 medium onions, chopped
1 tbsp. fennel
1 tbsp. cumin seeds
1 tbsp. coriander
½ tsp. turmeric
1 ½ tsp. salt **
1 ½ tsp. chili powder **
Pinch of black pepper
1 cup coconut milk (can replace with regular milk)
Coriander leaves for garnish
** Flavor is an expression of your personality; therefore, while rough guidelines on salt and chili measurements have been given, please do tailor them to your own tastes or dietary tolerance.
Directions:
Heat pot on medium heat with 2 tbsp. oil. Season with cinnamon and cloves. Add ginger/garlic paste. Cook 1-2 minutes. Add onions.
Continue cooking covered on medium heat, stirring frequently until onion is soft and translucent, about 5-10 minutes.
During this time, dry roast fennel, cumin, and coriander. Grind in a coffee grinder to a powder.
Add chicken, turmeric, ground masala powder (from previous step), salt, chili powder and black pepper to the onions in the pot. Mix and cook covered for another 5-10 minutes while stirring intermittently.
Add 1 cup coconut milk and continue cooking for 15 minutes.
Garnish with coriander leaves. Serve hot with rice or roti.
Optional Extras:
Coconut milk can be replaced with regular milk. My husband prefers the version with regular milk; however, due to the added health benefits, I prefer to use coconut milk. I also enjoy the taste of coconut milk better!