Assamese Sesame Kaffir Lime Chicken Curry: A Flavorful Delight from the North East
Introduction
Assamese Sesame Kaffir Lime Chicken Curry is a vibrant and aromatic dish that hails from the northeastern region of India. Characterized by a blend of simple yet flavorful spices, this curry uniquely incorporates sesame seeds and the aromatic essence of Kaffir lime leaves, bringing a distinct fragrance and depth of flavor. Kaffir lime leaves, known for their citrusy and aromatic properties, complement the rich, mildly spicy chicken curry, while the ground sesame seeds create a delightful texture and enhance the overall taste. Ideal as a side dish, this curry pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, offering a fragrant and indulgent culinary experience.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken | 800 grams, cut into pieces |
| Onions | 3, finely chopped |
| Ginger | 2 teaspoons, grated |
| Garlic | 1 teaspoon, crushed |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Sesame seeds (Til seeds) | 8 tablespoons, ground to paste (6 tablespoons needed) |
| Kaffir lime leaves | 1 teaspoon, ground to paste |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh red chillies | 1-1/2 teaspoons, ground to paste (adjust quantity) |
| Kaffir lime juice | 2 teaspoons |
| Mustard oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Hot water | 1-1/2 cups |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Instructions
-
Heat the Oil:
Begin by heating mustard oil in a deep-bottomed pan or wok over medium heat. Mustard oil adds a rich flavor that complements the spices, so let it heat up properly. -
-
Fry the Onions:
Add the finely chopped onions to the heated oil. Fry them for about 2 minutes until they become slightly translucent and softened. -
Add Ginger and Garlic:
Next, add the grated ginger and crushed garlic. Stir-fry the mixture over low heat, cooking until the ginger and garlic are soft and beginning to color. -
Cook the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the pan. Fry the chicken for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure that the chicken is well-coated with the onion, ginger, and garlic mixture. -
Spice it Up:
Add the turmeric powder, cumin powder, salt, and sugar to the pan. Mix well to evenly coat the chicken with the spices. Continue to sauté for a minute or two to allow the spices to release their flavors. -
Incorporate Sesame and Chilli Paste:
Now, add the sesame paste and ground red chilli paste to the pan. Stir everything together and fry well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. The paste will add a creamy texture and vibrant color to the curry. -
Add Hot Water:
Pour in the hot water and stir. This will create the base for your curry sauce. Cover the pan with a lid and let the curry simmer gently until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce reduces. -
Simmer and Thicken the Sauce:
Allow the curry to simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to a consistency that coats the back of a spoon and drips slowly when lifted. -
Add Kaffir Lime Paste and Juice:
Finally, stir in the ground Kaffir lime leaves paste and Kaffir lime juice. These will provide a fresh and zesty fragrance to the dish. Give everything a quick stir to mix thoroughly. -
Rest and Serve:
Turn off the heat and cover the pan for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld together. The curry will continue to absorb the aromatic Kaffir lime fragrance. -
Serve:
Serve this aromatic Assamese Sesame Kaffir Lime Chicken Curry hot, paired with Jeera rice, plain steamed rice, and Kaffir lime wedges on the side for an added burst of citrusy freshness.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
Cooking Tips
- Adjust Spice Level: You can adjust the amount of red chilli paste according to your preference for spice. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of red chillies.
- Chicken Variations: While this recipe uses chicken, you can easily substitute it with other proteins like lamb or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Fresh Kaffir Lime Leaves: Fresh Kaffir lime leaves can be found in most Asian grocery stores. However, if unavailable, you can substitute with dried Kaffir lime leaves or use lime zest for a similar citrusy note.
- Sesame Paste: Ground sesame paste gives this curry a rich texture. Ensure you grind the sesame seeds to a smooth paste for the best results.
Why You’ll Love It
This Assamese Sesame Kaffir Lime Chicken Curry is a perfect balance of flavors—earthy, spicy, and citrusy. The use of mustard oil and the paste of sesame seeds offers a unique twist on traditional chicken curries, making it an exotic addition to your regular curry rotation. The Kaffir lime leaves provide a refreshing aroma that enhances the entire dish, making each bite an aromatic delight. Whether you’re a seasoned curry lover or a newcomer to Assamese cuisine, this dish will undoubtedly impress with its layers of flavor and simplicity.
Serve this flavorful curry for your next meal, and enjoy a taste of North Eastern India in your very own kitchen. Whether served with rice or your favorite flatbread, Assamese Sesame Kaffir Lime Chicken Curry is bound to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.
