A Curry in a Hurry

Curries may seem daunting to make because of their many ingredients. But as long as you have a few items on hand, you can create a curry easily and quickly.

The proportions and types of spices are not set in stone, so be creative. Experiment with these ingredients to create something unique: cumin, coriander, turmeric, chiles, fennel, cinnamon and bay leaves.

To temper the spiciness of the curry and cool the palate, serveraita on the side.

Menu:

Chicken-Garbanzo Curry With Rice

Raita

Chicken-Garbanzo Curry With Rice

Active Work Time: 20 minutes * Total Preparation Time: 30 minutes

4 1/2 cups water

2 cups Basmati rice

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Salt

Freshly ground pepper

5 tablespoons oil

1 onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 serrano chile, seeded and minced

1 tablespoon grated ginger root

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

2 tablespoons cumin

1 tablespoon coriander

1 tablespoon curry powder

1 cup coconut milk

1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 teaspoon light brown sugar

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

* Bring 4 cups water to boil, add rice and simmer, covered, until water is completely absorbed, 18 to 20 minutes.

* Season chicken with salt and pepper to taste; brown in 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat, 5 to 8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

* Heat remaining oil in same skillet. Add onion and cook until golden, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, chile, ginger and pepper flakes, and cook 1 minute. Add cumin, coriander and curry powder, and cook 1 minute.

* Return chicken to skillet, and add coconut milk, remaining 1/2 cup water and garbanzos. Simmer until chicken is completely cooked and liquid thickens slightly, about 10 minutes. Stir in lime juice, brown sugar and cilantro, and heat through. Taste and season with salt and pepper if necessary. Serve curry over rice.

4 servings. Each serving: 865 calories; 486 mg sodium; 71 mg cholesterol; 35 grams fat; 108 grams carbohydrates; 31 grams protein; 3.73 grams fiber.

GAME PLAN

30 minutes before: Begin cooking rice.

25 minutes before: Cut up and brown chicken. Dice onions, mince garlic and pepper, chop cilantro, grate ginger.

15 minutes before: Make curry.

8 minutes before: Make raita and refrigerate.

5 minutes before: Finish curry with lime, sugar and cilantro.

INGREDIENTS

Staples

Brown sugar

Garlic

Limes

Oil

Onion

Pepper

Salt

Plain yogurt

Shopping List

Basmati rice

4 chicken thighs

1 bunch cilantro

Coconut milk

Coriander

1 cucumber

Cumin

Curry powder

Canned garbanzo beans

1 small piece ginger root

1 serrano chile

*

Plate from Sur La Table stores.