Spicy Sweet and Sour Chicken

Ingredients

In this Indian Chinese adaptation of Dolce Garbo, the original Italian dish, we incorporate the bold and spicy flavors of Indian cuisine along with the sweet and sour elements of Chinese cuisine. The use of Indian spices such as cumin, coriander, and chili powder adds a distinct heat to the dish, while the combination of soy sauce, vinegar, and ketchup creates the signature sweet and sour flavor profile of Indian Chinese cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Dolce garbo, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, sliced 1 onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup pineapple chunks 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vinegar 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 12g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cumin powder, coriander powder, chili powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, and salt. Mix well and let it marinate for 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
3. 3.
   In the same wok, add sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for a few minutes until they are slightly softened.
4. 4.
   Add pineapple chunks to the wok and stir-fry for another minute.
5. 5.
   In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Pour the sauce into the wok and stir well to coat the vegetables.
6. 6.
   Return the cooked chicken to the wok and toss everything together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.
7. 7.
   Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — Make sure to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Ginger — Grate the ginger finely to release its flavor into the dish.
• Pineapple — Use fresh pineapple chunks for a burst of sweetness. If using canned pineapple, drain the juice before adding it to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a teaspoon of chili paste or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Customize the vegetables according to your preference. You can add carrots, snow peas, or baby corn for additional crunch and color.
• Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce by adding more or less sugar and vinegar, according to your taste.
• To make it spicier, increase the amount of chili powder or add a chopped green chili.
• For a healthier version, you can bake the marinated chicken instead of stir-frying it.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Sweet and Sour Chicken hot with steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh cilantro for added freshness and color.

Presentation advice

Arrange the colorful stir-fried chicken, vegetables, and pineapple chunks on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for an appealing presentation.