While every part of Southeast Asia has
its curry dishes, the curries of Vietnam are decidedly different
from those of Thailand, India, or China. While the others tend
to be very hot and spicy, the Vietnamese curry leans more to
the heady and aromatic. The basil adds the final touch.
Vietnamese Aromatic Chicken
Curry
2 medium-sized potatoes, cut into chunks
4 tablespoons peanut oil
8 shallots, minced
4 stalks fresh lemon grass, minced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 fresh hot red chilies, minced
2 tablespoons best-quality curry powder
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized
pieces
1 teaspoon sea salt or 1 teaspoon fish sauce
1 (14-ounce) can of coconut milk
1 14-ounce) can of chicken stock
Fresh basil leaves
- Hot cooked rice
- Fry the potato chunks in the oil until
nicely browned, then drain them on paper towels.
- Add the shallots, lemon grass, and all
of the spices to the pan, and stir-fry for a few minutes. Add
the chicken and cook, stirring, until it is opaque. Add the potatoes,
salt, coconut milk and chicken stock. Bring to a boil and then
simmer gently for about 30 minutes.
- Garnish with basil leaves before serving
in bowls with rice.
Serves 4.