Are you thinking about changing things up this holiday season? I know the feeling. Sometimes the classic turkey or ham dinner feels more like a requirement than a celebration. It is totally okay to want something different.
That is why I am so excited to share one of my favorite Unique Christmas Dinner Ideas with you. This chicken curry recipe is the answer. It’s warm, full of flavor, and brings a special kind of festive cheer to the table. It is a perfect Non Traditional Christmas Dinner.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s talk about why this chicken curry is such a great choice. First off, the aroma. When the spices start to cook, your whole house will fill with this amazing, comforting scent. It just smells like a special occasion.
It’s also incredibly satisfying. The creamy, rich sauce combined with tender pieces of chicken is just what you want on a cold winter day. It feels special without being overly complicated. It’s a wonderful Alternative Christmas Dinner.
Plus, it’s a fun dish to share. You can serve it family style with bowls of rice and naan bread. Everyone can dig in and enjoy the meal together. It encourages a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. That is what holidays are all about, right?
This recipe is also very forgiving for beginners. You do not need any fancy equipment. A food processor and a good pan are all you need to create a truly delicious meal. It is one of those Christmas Meal Ideas Dinner Main Dishes that impresses everyone.
Ingredients
For The Curry Paste
- 1 large Onion, roughly chopped
- 6 large Garlic cloves
- 3 inch Fresh ginger
- ¼ cup Cilantro leaves
- 5 Curry leaves
- 2 tbsp Red chilly powder (or Paprika)
- 1 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 3 tbsp Coriander powder
- 1 tbsp Cumin powder
- ½ tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Garam masala
For The Chicken Curry
- 2 lb (1 kg) Boneless skinless chicken, cut into 2 inch pieces
- 1 large Tomato, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- ½ cup (120 ml) Sour cream (or yogurt or coconut cream)
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 2 tbsp Canola oil
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- ½ tsp Black pepper
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Create The Curry Paste
First things first, let’s make that amazing curry paste. Gather all the paste ingredients. We’re talking onion, garlic, ginger, cilantro, and all those beautiful spices. Put them all into a food processor.
Blend everything together until it becomes a smooth paste. The smoother your paste, the creamier your final curry will be. Just set this aside for a moment. This paste is the heart of your Non Traditional Christmas Dinner.
Step 2: Sauté The Paste
Now grab a large skillet or pan and place it over medium heat. Add your canola oil. Once the oil is warm, add the curry paste you just made. Let it cook for about two minutes. You will know it is ready when it starts to smell fragrant.
If the spices start to stick, don’t worry. Just add a few tablespoons of water. This little trick prevents them from burning while still letting them cook and release all their flavor.
Step 3: Add The Tomatoes
Next, it is time to add the chopped tomato and the tomato paste to the skillet. Give everything a good stir. Let this mixture cook for another two minutes. The tomatoes will start to soften and blend into the paste beautifully.
Step 4: Cook The Chicken
Add your chicken pieces to the pan. Sauté them for about two minutes. You want to make sure every piece is nicely coated in that flavorful masala. This is a key step for a delicious Nontraditional Christmas Dinner.
Now pour in one cup of water or chicken broth. Stir it all together and bring the mixture to a boil over medium high heat. Things are about to get really good.
Step 5: Simmer To Perfection
Time to season. Add the kosher salt and black pepper. Cover the pot and lower the heat to medium. Let it simmer gently for about 8 to 10 minutes. This gives the chicken enough time to cook through and become tender.
Step 6: Finish With Creaminess
Almost there. The final step is to add the sour cream or yogurt. Stir it in along with the lemon juice. Let it simmer for just two more minutes. This adds a lovely creamy texture and a bit of brightness to the curry.
Give it a taste. You can adjust the seasoning if you think it needs it. Maybe a little more salt? Once you are happy with it, your amazing Alternative Christmas Dinner is ready. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, you are in luck. This curry tastes even better the next day. Let the curry cool down completely before you store it. This is important for food safety.
Once cool, place it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three or four days. When you are ready to eat it, just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave until it is piping hot.
You can also freeze it. Put the cooled curry in a freezer safe container or bag. It will last for about two months in the freezer. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. It makes for an easy weeknight meal later on.
Tips
Here are a few little pointers to help you get the best results. Make sure your chicken is fully thawed before you start cooking. Chilled or frozen chicken cooks unevenly, which we want to avoid.
Also, try to pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. If the chicken is too wet, it can create a watery gravy. Drying it helps you control the consistency of the final dish.
For an even deeper flavor, you can marinate the chicken. Just mix the chicken pieces with the curry paste in a bowl. Cover it and leave it in the fridge overnight. This is a great prep step for your Non Traditional Christmas Dinner.
If you like your curry extra spicy, feel free to add another teaspoon of hot cayenne pepper. You are in control of the heat level, so make it just how you like it. This is one of the best parts of making your own Unique Christmas Dinner Ideas at home.
Conclusion
So there you have it. A wonderfully flavorful and comforting chicken curry that is sure to make your holiday meal special. It is a fantastic choice if you are looking for a Non Traditional Christmas Dinner that everyone will remember.
Cooking something new can be a tradition in itself. It is all about creating happy memories with the people you love. This recipe is more than just food; it is an experience. It brings warmth, color, and joy to your dinner table.
I hope you give this Alternative Christmas Dinner a try. Enjoy the process of making it, and more importantly, enjoy sharing it with your family and friends. Happy holidays and happy cooking.
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Protein?
Absolutely. While this recipe is designed for chicken, you could easily use lamb, beef, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure your protein is cooked through properly.
What Should I Serve With This Curry?
This curry is wonderful with basmati rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. Warm naan bread or roti is also a great choice for dipping. A simple side salad with cucumber and tomato can add a fresh, cooling contrast.
How Can I Make It Less Spicy?
To reduce the heat, you can use a mild paprika instead of red chilly powder. You can also omit the cayenne pepper entirely or just use a very small pinch. The sour cream or yogurt at the end also helps to mellow out the spice.
Can I Make This Dairy Free?
Yes, you can. Simply substitute the sour cream or yogurt with full fat coconut cream or coconut milk. It will give the curry a slightly different but equally delicious creamy finish. It’s a great way to adapt these Christmas Meal Ideas Dinner Main Dishes.
Warm Chicken Curry for Holidays
Escape the usual holiday fare with this comforting and flavorful chicken curry. Rich, creamy, and packed with aromatic spices, it’s a delightful alternative Christmas dinner that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- First, create the curry paste. Place roughly chopped onion, garlic cloves, fresh ginger, cilantro leaves, curry leaves, red chilly powder (or paprika), cayenne pepper, coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala into a Ninja Professional Blender. Blend until a smooth paste forms. Set aside.
- Heat canola oil in a large Cast Iron Skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the curry paste and cook for about two minutes until fragrant, stirring occasionally. Add a few tablespoons of water if the paste starts to stick.
- Add the finely chopped tomato and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another two minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pan, coating them thoroughly in the masala. Sauté for about two minutes. Pour in one cup of water or chicken broth, stir, and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Cover the pot and reduce heat to medium. Simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Stir in the sour cream (or yogurt/coconut cream) and lemon juice. Simmer for an additional two minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Notes
Let the curry cool down completely before you store it. Place it in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to three or four days. This curry also freezes well in a freezer safe container or bag for about two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Ensure chicken is fully thawed and pat dry with a paper towel before cooking to prevent watery gravy. For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the curry paste overnight in the fridge. Adjust spice level by adding more cayenne pepper if desired.
Nutrition
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