Chicken & Ginger Curry with Fragrant Rice

Heat a small saucepan over a medium heat and toast the coriander, cumin and mustard seeds, if using for 20 seconds until they become fragrant and begin to pop.Rinse the rice well in a sieve and then add to the pan with 250ml of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and cover with a lid. Simmer for 25 minutes without lifting off the lid, then turn off the heat and leave to sit for another 10 minutes for perfectly cooked rice (or simply cook according to packet instructions). This rice can sit happily for up to 30 minutes with the lid on.

Using a small sharp knife, cut the onion in half and peel off the skin, then put each half on a chopping board and cut into slices, keeping the root intact. Then make 2 horizontal cuts one above the other and finally, chop down across the width of the onion. Peel the carrots and turnip and cut into dice. Peel and grate the garlic and ginger on the fine side of a box grater or use a garlic crusher for the garlic if you prefer.

Heat the oil in a large frying pan or a wok with a lid on a medium to high heat. Add the onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and just starting to colour around the edges, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.

Meanwhile, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces with the knife or a scissors. Add to the pan and continue to sauté for 2-3 minutes until sealed and lightly golden, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon. Stir in enough curry paste to taste depending on hot you like your curry. Add the garlic and ginger and continue to stir until everything is evenly coated.

Dissolve the chicken stock cube into the boiling water. Add the carrots and turnip with the stock to the chicken mixture and bring to a simmer. Then reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid, then cook for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is tender and the vegetables still have a little bite, stirring occasionally. Season lightly with salt, if using and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Ladle the fragrant rice into bowls and spoon the chicken & ginger curry on top to serve.

Prepare Ahead

This curry and rice can be made up to 3 days in advance and the flavour of the curry will only improve the longer it is kept. Simply cool down and put into separate suitable airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the fridge until needed, then reheat in the microwave once or in a saucepan on the hob over a gentle heat. Bring a fork if transporting.