North Indian Chicken & Cauliflower Curry
This light, tomato-based chicken curry pairs sale-priced cauliflower, a good early-November Washington choice, with nutty brown rice for a warming weeknight dinner.
- Total time: 58 min
- Servings: 2 servings
- Estimated total cost: $8
- Calories per serving: 540 cal
- Stovetop
Ingredients
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Boneless skinless chicken breast12 ounces $5.49
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Organic cauliflower1/2 medium head, yielding about 12 ounces florets $4.43
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Organic long-grain brown rice2/3 cup dry (about 4.5 ounces) $4.49
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Yellow onion1 small (about 4 ounces) $1.49
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Organic garlic2 cloves $6.99
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Fresh ginger1 tablespoon finely grated
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No-salt-added canned crushed tomatoes1 cup
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Canola oil1 tablespoon
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Fine sea salt2 teaspoons, divided
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Ground cumin3/4 teaspoon
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Ground coriander1 teaspoon
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Ground turmeric1/2 teaspoon
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Cayenne pepper1/8 teaspoon
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Garam masala1/2 teaspoon
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Lemon1/2 lemon, yielding 1 tablespoon juice $0.89
Instructions
Swipe a step aside or click its number when it’s done.
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Rinse 2/3 cup dry brown rice. Combine it with 1 1/2 cups water and 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer gently for 40–45 minutes, until tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from the heat and leave covered for 5 minutes. Prepare the curry while it cooks.
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Cut 12 ounces chicken breast into 1-inch pieces. Toss with 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt and set aside while preparing the vegetables.
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Cut 1/2 medium head cauliflower into small, roughly 1-inch florets, measuring about 12 ounces. Finely dice 1 small yellow onion, mince 2 garlic cloves, and grate enough fresh ginger to measure 1 tablespoon.
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Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a deep, lidded skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring, until softened and lightly golden.
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Add the prepared garlic and ginger along with the following spices:
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Stir for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
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Stir in 1 cup no-salt-added crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, and 1/2 cup water. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
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Add the prepared cauliflower, cover, and simmer gently for 6 minutes. Stir in the seasoned chicken, cover again, and simmer for 7–10 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the cauliflower is tender and the chicken reaches 165°F. If the sauce gets too thick, add 2 tablespoons water.
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Stir in 1/2 teaspoon garam masala and 1 tablespoon juice squeezed from 1/2 lemon. Keep covered over very low heat if necessary while the rice finishes.
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Fluff the brown rice and divide between two shallow bowls. Spoon the chicken–cauliflower curry alongside, distributing the vegetables and sauce evenly.
Want more detail? See the temperature guide.
Health: Brown rice adds whole-grain fiber but needs a longer simmer, so start it before preparing the curry.
Drink pairing: An off-dry Riesling balances the warm spices and bright tomato sauce.