Curry Doria with a Cheesy Twist

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) cooked Japanese short-grain rice 2 cups (400g) cooked Japanese short-grain rice
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced 1 carrot, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup (200g) cooked chicken or beef, diced 1 cup (200g) cooked chicken or beef, diced
• 2 tablespoons curry powder 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (470ml) milk 2 cups (470ml) milk
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup (100g) shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella) 1 cup (100g) shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 5g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced carrot and bell pepper to the skillet, and cook until slightly softened.
4. 4.
   Add the cooked chicken or beef to the skillet, and stir to combine.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the curry powder and flour over the mixture, and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
6. 6.
   Gradually pour in the milk while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens.
7. 7.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   In a baking dish, spread the cooked rice evenly as the base layer.
9. 9.
   Pour the curry sauce over the rice, spreading it evenly.
10. 10.
    Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the curry sauce.
11. 11.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
12. 12.
    Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice — Use Japanese short-grain rice for its sticky texture, which helps hold the dish together.
• Curry powder — Adjust the amount of curry powder according to your preferred level of spiciness.
• Cheese — Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination. Cheddar and mozzarella work well, but feel free to get creative with other varieties.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken or beef with tofu or mixed vegetables.
• Add a dash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to enhance the umami flavors.
• Customize the dish by adding additional vegetables such as peas, corn, or mushrooms.
• To achieve a crispier crust, broil the dish for a few minutes after baking.
• Serve with a side of pickled vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the richness.

Serving advice

Serve the Curry Doria hot, straight from the oven, to fully enjoy the gooey melted cheese and the comforting flavors. Pair it with a side of pickled ginger or a dollop of Japanese mayonnaise for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Present the Curry Doria in individual baking dishes or in a large casserole dish. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. The golden crust and melted cheese on top will make it an enticing sight for your guests.