Delia Smith Chicken Curry

Delia Smith's Thai Red Curry Chicken is a vibrant dish that beautifully captures the essence of Thai cuisine. This recipe, inspired by the rich traditions of Thailand, offers a straightforward approach to creating a delicious curry that can easily be prepared at home. The original recipe can be found in Delia's Collection: Chicken, serving as a testament to her expertise in crafting dishes that appeal to a wide audience.

Delia Smith's Thai Red Curry Chicken: A Brief Description

The Thai Red Curry Chicken by Delia Smith is a pungent and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a homemade red curry paste. This dish is perfect for easy entertaining and can be made ahead of time, with the curry paste freezing well for future use.

Cultural or Historical Context

Thai curries, known for their complexity and depth of flavor, are a staple in Thai cuisine. The use of fresh herbs and spices in the curry paste is what gives this dish its distinctive taste and aroma. Delia Smith's recipe brings this traditional Thai dish into the home kitchen, making it accessible for cooks of all levels.

Ingredients for the Thai Red Curry Chicken

• Chicken breasts (part-boned) - 8 pieces
• Groundnut oil or another flavourless oil - 1 tablespoon
• Salt
• For the curry paste:
  • Red chillies (medium, deseeded) - 4
  • Lime (juice and zest) - 1
  • Lemon grass (finely chopped) - 1 tablespoon
  • Fresh root ginger - 1 inch (2.5 cm) cube
  • Garlic cloves (peeled) - 4
  • Thai shallots (peeled) or normal shallots if not available - 4
  • Shrimp paste - 1 teaspoon
  • Thai fish sauce - 2 tablespoons

Preparation Instructions

1. Begin by creating the curry paste, blending ingredients like red chillies, lime zest and juice, lemon grass, ginger, garlic, shallots, shrimp paste, and Thai fish sauce into a coarse paste.
2. Prepare the chicken breasts by making diagonal cuts across each, seasoning with salt, and rubbing in oil and the curry paste.
3. Allow the chicken to marinate, then bake in a preheated oven, basting occasionally, until cooked through.
4. Serve garnished with fresh coriander and lime quarters.

Storage and Reheating

This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, ensuring the chicken is heated thoroughly.

Nutritional Information

While the specific nutritional values will depend on the exact ingredients used, this dish provides a good source of protein from the chicken, along with various vitamins and minerals from the fresh herbs and spices used in the curry paste.

FAQ about Delia Smith's Thai Red Curry Chicken

• Can I use store-bought curry paste? Yes, for convenience, you can use a ready-made Thai red curry paste.
• How can I adjust the spiciness? Alter the number of chillies in the curry paste to suit your taste.
• Is it possible to freeze the curry paste? Yes, the curry paste freezes well, allowing you to make a larger batch for future use.

Delia Smith's approach to the Thai Red Curry Chicken showcases her ability to adapt international cuisines for the home cook, making exotic flavors more accessible. Whether you're a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, this recipe promises a delightful culinary adventure.

For more detailed instructions and additional recipes, visit Delia Online​​​​​​.