Red Pepper Chicken Curry

Does the thought of making Indian food scare you?

Me too.

But I did it anyway.

And so should you.

A few weeks ago I made this red pepper chicken curry, along with some naan and mango ice cream for a few friends. Today I made it for Becky and her novio since I'm spending a couple days in Overland Park, KS before flying out to Boston.

Here are the ingredients:


You will need some Indian spices. Don't let this intimidate you! The spices are pretty inexpensive at Indian markets (or you can have a world traveling roommate who actually GOES to India and brings them back with her!).

This is garam masala.


It is a combination of several different spices and it smells divine.

But you don't need it quite yet.

First we need to make the curry. Roughly chop the red peppers, onion, garlic, and ginger and toss them in a blender. Add the juice of a lime, coconut flakes, and water.



Liquefy the mixture....


until it looks like this!


Take the garam masala and the curry powder and stir fry them in some oil for a few moments.

I wish you could smell this.

Absolutely divine.


Notice the plastic spoon in the very hot pan.

Don't do that. Ever.

I melted Becky's spoon. Whoops!

Add the vegetable paste and bring to a boil.


Chop up 2 or 3 potatoes.


And throw them in a pot. Don't overcook them, though - they'll continue cooking once they are in the curry.


Chop up some cooked chicken to about the same size as the potatoes and put them in the curry.


Let that simmer for about 30 minutes. While that's working, prepare some naan! Vanessa made some homemade naan a few weeks ago, but today, since I'm visiting my dear friend Becky, I decided to go the easy route and pick up some naan at the local Indian market.

I brushed it with olive oil and chopped garlic and popped it in the oven for about 10 minutes.


About 15 minutes before the curry is done simmering, toss in the cooked potatoes.

The funny thing about Indian food is that it doesn't look very appetizing.


But take my word for it, this is fabulous. Over some rice with naan on the side....mercy!

Red Pepper Chicken Curry

2 sweet bell peppers
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 inch piece ginger, chopped
2 tbsp coconut flakes (I left these out because I didn't have any - you shouldn't)
2 tbsp lime juice
1 cup water
1 tbsp garam masala
1 tsp curry powder
1/4 tsp chili powder
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cooked
4 tbsp plain yogurt (to be added in at the end - this is optional)
2-3 potatoes, chopped