Roti Jala with Spicy Chicken Curry

Ingredients

• For the Roti Jala: For the Roti Jala:
• 200g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour 200g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 400ml (1 ¾ cups) coconut milk 400ml (1 ¾ cups) coconut milk
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon salt
• Vegetable oil, for greasing Vegetable oil, for greasing
• For the Spicy Chicken Curry: For the Spicy Chicken Curry:
• 500g (1 lb) chicken, cut into pieces 500g (1 lb) chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 teaspoons turmeric powder 2 teaspoons turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste) 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 400ml (1 ¾ cups) coconut milk 400ml (1 ¾ cups) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 15g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, eggs, coconut milk, turmeric powder, and salt until smooth. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.
2. 2.
   Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with vegetable oil.
3. 3.
   Pour a small ladleful of the batter into the pan and quickly swirl it around to create a lacy pattern. Cook for about 1 minute or until the edges start to lift. Do not flip the pancake. Repeat with the remaining batter.
4. 4.
   Stack the cooked pancakes on a plate and cover them with a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm.
5. 5.
   In a separate large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
6. 6.
   Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for another minute.
7. 7.
   Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides.
8. 8.
   In a small bowl, mix together the turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and chili powder. Add this spice mixture to the pot and stir well to coat the chicken.
9. 9.
   Pour in the coconut milk and tomato paste, and season with salt to taste. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
10. 10.
    Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the curry simmer for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
11. 11.
    Serve the Roti Jala with the Spicy Chicken Curry, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Coconut milk — Shake the can well before using to ensure the cream and liquid are well combined.
• Turmeric powder — Be cautious while handling turmeric powder as it can stain surfaces and clothing easily. Use a spoon or wear gloves to avoid staining your hands.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it altogether.
• For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and peas.
• Serve the Roti Jala with a side of cucumber and onion salad for a refreshing contrast to the spicy curry.
• Leftover Roti Jala can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.
• The curry can be made in advance and tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.

Serving advice

Serve the Roti Jala with Spicy Chicken Curry hot, allowing guests to tear off pieces of the pancakes and dip them into the curry. It is customary to eat this dish with your hands, savoring the combination of flavors and textures.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Roti Jala on a platter, folded or rolled into neat shapes, and place a bowl of the Spicy Chicken Curry in the center. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color. The intricate patterns of the pancakes will add visual appeal to the dish.