Poulet Massalé (Chicken Massala) is a traditional Réunion recipe for a classic stew of a jointed chicken in an onion, garlic and oil base flavoured with spices, massala powder and curry leaves. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic Réunion version of: Chicken Massala (Poulet Massalé).
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Ingredients:
1 chicken (about 1.5kg) jointed and cut into serving pieces
2 large onions, sliced
7 garlic cloves, peeled
1 tsp ground cumin
4 black peppercorns
3 tbsp Reunion Masala Powder
2 sprigs of curry leaves
salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
oil for frying
1 small bunch of spring onions, finely chopped
Method:
Wash the chicken pieces, pat dry then set aside. Pound the black peppercorns, cumin and a little salt in a mortar then work in the garlic cloves until you have a smooth paste.
Heat a little oil in a flame-proof casserole. Add the chicken pieces and fry until brown then stir in the onions and the garlic and spice mix. Fry for 1 minute then add the massala and the curry leaves. Pour in enough water to cover all the ingredients. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook over low heat until almost all the water has evaporated to give you a thick sauce.
Turn into a serving dish, garnish with the spring onions and serve accompanied by white rice.