Home

Chicken and Shrimp Curry with Basmati Rice

17/11/2023

I can offer you an Italian version of this exotic dish, using ingredients that enhance the flavor but are well tied to the roots of Italian cuisine.

Ingredients

  • 300 g of chicken breast
  • 200 g of shelled and cleaned shrimp
  • 200 g of basmati rice
  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 piece of fresh ginger
  • 2 tablespoons of curry paste (if you want it more Italian, it can be replaced with a mix of spices such as turmeric, sweet paprika, a bit of cinnamon, and chili)
  • 400 ml of coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Parsley or fresh coriander (optional for garnishing)
  • 1 red chili (optional)

Preparation

  1. Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil for the basmati rice. Once the water boils, add the rice and cook according to the package instructions, usually between 10 and 12 minutes, then drain and keep warm.

  2. In the meantime, dice the chicken breast and if the shrimp are too large, cut them as well. Finely chop the onion, garlic, and ginger. If you want to add a spicy touch, cut the chili by removing the seeds.

  3. Heat a thread of oil in a large pan and sauté the onion, garlic, ginger, and chili until they become translucent and aromatic.

  4. Increase the heat, add the chicken to the pan and brown it until it’s golden on all sides.

  5. Add the curry paste (or the Italian spice mix) and the tomato paste, stirring well to ensure the chicken is evenly flavored.

  6. Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a slight boil, then reduce the heat to simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes.

  7. Add the shrimp and continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and the chicken is well cooked.

  8. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an Italian touch.

  9. Serve the chicken and shrimp curry over the hot basmati rice and, if desired, garnish with chopped parsley or fresh coriander for a touch of freshness.

Curiosity

Chicken curry is a dish with Indian origins that has been interpreted in many ways depending on the country it is prepared in. The addition of shrimp is a rich and tasty variant that combines the best of sea and land. Curry paste can vary in intensity and flavor based on the region of production, but the use of spices is also very common in the cuisine of southern Italy, so don’t be shy in experimenting to find the perfect mix for your palate!