Creamy Ethiopian Berbere Chicken Curry

Creamy Ethiopian Berbere Chicken Curry is a delightful dish that brings the rich and vibrant flavors of Ethiopian cuisine right to your kitchen. This dish combines tender chicken thighs simmered in a creamy coconut milk sauce, spiced with berbere—a classic Ethiopian spice blend known for its warmth and depth. The addition of fresh spinach adds a lovely color and nutrition, making it not only delicious but also visually appealing. It’s a one-pot meal that is perfect for busy weeknights and impresses guests alike.

This curry is designed to be both hearty and satisfying, with its rich flavors enveloping the chicken and the earthy spices working together to create a comforting dish. Whether served over rice, with traditional injera bread, or simply enjoyed on its own, Creamy Ethiopian Berbere Chicken Curry is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients about Creamy Ethiopian Berbere Chicken Curry

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons berbere spice mix, to taste
• 1 cup tomato sauce, plain, not seasoned
• 1 can coconut milk, full fat (13.66 oz)
• 5 cups spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon sea salt, or salt to taste

Optional ingredient substitutions

If you’re looking to customize the dish or work with what you have on hand, here are some suggestions for ingredient substitutions:

• Chicken thighs can be swapped for chicken breasts if preferred.
• Avocado oil may be replaced with coconut oil or olive oil.
• Tomato sauce can be substituted with crushed tomatoes for a more textured sauce.
• Fresh ginger could be replaced with ground ginger, though fresh gives better flavor.
• Spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard.

How to Make Creamy Ethiopian Berbere Chicken Curry

Step 1: Prep the ingredients

Start by preparing all the ingredients before you begin cooking. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and ginger, and chop the spinach. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Gather your spices and sauces to have everything ready.

Step 2: Cook the chicken

Preheat a 9-10 inch skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil, followed by the chicken. Sauté the chicken for about 4-5 minutes until it is starting to brown and is mostly cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. This step ensures the chicken retains its moisture and flavor.

Step 3: Sauté the vegetables

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of avocado oil. Add in the finely diced onion, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Sauté this mixture over medium-low heat for about 3-4 minutes or until the onions start to turn translucent. This step not only flavors the oil but also enhances the overall taste of the curry.

Step 4: Combine with spices and liquids

Add the berbere spice mix to the pan and stir well to combine with the onion, garlic, and ginger. This will help release the essential oils from the spices. Next, pour in the tomato sauce followed by the full-fat coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Add the spinach and chicken back

Once the curry has thickened, return the chicken to the pan along with the roughly chopped spinach. Pile the spinach over the top of the curry, allowing the heat to wilt it for about 1 minute. This will ensure that the spinach retains its vibrant color and nutrients. Stir it in gently after a minute, allowing it to combine with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is well-mixed. Finally, season to taste with sea salt and serve hot.

How to Serve Creamy Ethiopian Berbere Chicken Curry

Best ways to serve Creamy Ethiopian Berbere Chicken Curry

Creamy Ethiopian Berbere Chicken Curry can be served in various delightful ways. It is often enjoyed over a bed of fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, which complements the richness of the curry beautifully. Alternatively, serve it with traditional injera—a spongy flatbread that is perfect for scooping up the curry. The choice of sides can elevate the dish even more.

Serving suggestions or pairings

For a well-rounded meal, consider pairing the curry with a simple salad, such as a cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. You can also serve a side of roasted vegetables or a warm grain salad. For drinks, try a crisp mineral water infused with lemon or a light Ethiopian beer to bring out the flavors of the dish.

How to Store Creamy Ethiopian Berbere Chicken Curry

Proper storage methods

To store your Creamy Ethiopian Berbere Chicken Curry, make sure it has cooled to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container.

Tips for reheating or freezing

When reheating the curry, use the stovetop on medium-low heat to warm it gradually. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking to the bottom of the pan. You might want to add a splash of water or coconut milk to bring back the creamy texture. If you’ve frozen the curry, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make Creamy Ethiopian Berbere Chicken Curry

Common mistakes to avoid

One common mistake is cooking the chicken for too long at high heat, which can dry it out. Always remove it from the pan when it’s mostly cooked and allow it to simmer in the sauce. Another mistake is neglecting to sauté the onions and garlic long enough; this step is crucial for developing the base flavor of the dish.

Helpful tips for better results

To enhance the flavors, consider marinating the chicken in the berbere spice mix for an hour or overnight. This gives the chicken more depth of flavor. Additionally, using full-fat coconut milk ensures a creamier texture, making the curry more satisfying. Adjust the spice levels based on your preference; berbere can be quite spicy, so taste as you go.

Variation of Creamy Ethiopian Berbere Chicken Curry

Suggested variations or twists on the recipe

There are many ways to put a twist on the basic Creamy Ethiopian Berbere Chicken Curry recipe. You can add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or sweet potatoes for extra nutrition and color. For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with chickpeas, tofu, or cauliflower. Each brings its own unique texture and flavor that complements the curry well.

Adjustments for dietary preferences

For those looking to make the dish dairy-free, this recipe is already suitable as it uses coconut milk. If you prefer a low-carb version, serve it over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice. Finally, adjust the spice levels according to your dietary needs, using less berbere spice or opting for a milder blend.

FAQs

What can I do if the dish isn’t turning out right?

If your curry isn’t turning out as expected, taste it frequently during the cooking process. If it’s too thick, add a bit more coconut milk or water. If it’s bland, adjusting the seasoning with more salt or berbere spice can help. Remember, cooking is about finding the right balance.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Creamy Ethiopian Berbere Chicken Curry is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day in advance or even freeze it for later use. The flavors often deepen and improve after sitting in the fridge, making leftovers even tastier.

What can I substitute for ingredients?

If you don’t have certain ingredients on hand, there are plenty of substitutions you can make. Chicken thighs can be replaced with breasts; avocado oil can be swapped for olive oil; and fresh ingredients like ginger and garlic can be used in their powdered forms. Just be mindful of the flavor differences this may create.

Creamy Ethiopian Berbere Chicken Curry is not just a meal—it is an experience of flavors, warmth, and comfort. Try this recipe, and enjoy the delightful taste of Ethiopian cuisine from the comfort of your home!

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