East Indian Curry

East Indian Curry

Description

During the pre-independence era, when the East India Company claimed its power over most of the Indian subcontinent, a certain community in the northern parts of the Konkan belt was left out.

Many of the inhabitants of these parts were converted to Christianity by the Portuguese. However, they never let go of their roots and Konkani culture; this pride and heritage was treasured and passed down to the succeeding generations. These people who settled in the Mumbai region, decided to call themselves ‘East Indians’ (adopted from the East India Company).

No western influence nor colonization could affect the ritual of elders in the family mixing vast quantities of accurately measured sun-dried spices once in a year to store them in recycled beer bottles. As the bottles were tinted, the masala would get protection from the sun. Hence, the name ‘Bottle Masala’.

Added to meat, fish, vegetable preparation and even curries, the specialty of this masala was to enhance flavour, but never let it overpower the main ingredient.

Ingredients

Method

  1. Add Oil to a pre-heated frying pan. Keep the flame on medium.

  2. Add Ginger-Garlic paste and Green Chilies. Cook until it stops sputtering.

  3. Add the Onion paste and Tomato puree along the pinch of Asafoetida (optional). Stir until little bubbles start to form.

  4. Add 2 tablespoons of Living Beyond’s freshly ground East Indian Bottle Masala mixed in 2 tablespoons of Water (this is done so that the masala doesn’t burn).

  5. Stir it constantly for around 30 seconds taking care it doesn’t burn.

  6. Add the Curry Leaves and continue to stir.

  7. At this stage add 1/2 teaspoon of Jaggery.

  8. Turn the heat down to low and add the pre-cooked Chicken. Add a little water to suit the consistency you require. Stir to combine.

  9. Let the curry simmer for about 5 minutes. Add the halved Cherry Tomatoes and cook until the tomatoes are just warmed through.

  10. Add the Coriander Leaves.

  11. Serve with Basmati Rice.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *