South African cuisine is known for its rich flavours and vibrant spices, and one dish that exemplifies this is the beloved South African chicken curry. Bursting with aromatic spices and tender chicken, this curry is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. While traditional recipes often call for generous amounts of oil and coconut milk, it is possible to enjoy a lighter, low-fat version without compromising on taste. In this article, we will explore some mouthwatering low-fat South African chicken curry recipes that will satisfy your cravings while keeping your health in check.
- Fragrant Turmeric Chicken Curry:
Ingredients:
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup low-fat chicken broth
- 1 cup low-fat coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a large skillet or pot, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until softened and translucent.
- Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the chicken cubes to the skillet and cook until they are lightly browned on all sides.
- In a small bowl, combine the turmeric, cumin, coriander, paprika, and chili powder. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken, stirring well to coat.
- Add the chicken broth, coconut milk, and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
- Serve the fragrant turmeric chicken curry over steamed basmati rice or with whole wheat naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro for added freshness.
- Cape Malay Chicken Curry:
Ingredients:
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup low-fat chicken broth
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they turn soft and golden.
- Add the garlic and ginger to the pot and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
- Place the chicken pieces in the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides.
- In a small bowl, combine the cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and paprika. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken, stirring well to coat.
- Pour in the chicken broth, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and lemon juice. Stir everything together and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the curry simmer for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded.
- Serve the Cape Malay chicken curry with fragrant basmati rice or couscous. Garnish with fresh cilantro for added freshness.
By making a few simple modifications and using low-fat ingredients, you can savour the tantalizing flavours of South African chicken curry without worrying about excessive fat content. These recipes prove that you don’t have to sacrifice taste for a healthier option. So, gather your spices and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with these low-fat South African chicken curry recipes that are sure to impress your taste buds while keeping you on track with your health goals. Enjoy!