Ingredients

  • 1 (3 lb) fryer chickens
  • 4 -6 red chilies
  • 1/2 cup dried coconut
  • 2 cups coconut milk (Use one tin or mix coconut powder)
  • 2 bananas, mashed or finely chopped
  • 2 onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon coriander
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 stalk fresh lemongrass (or use 2 strips lemon rind)
  • 3 tablespoons peanut oil
  • 1 -2 teaspoon prepared curry powder
  • 2 teaspoons Laos powder (optional)

Method

  • Cut up the chicken.
  • Boil the chillies in a small amount of water for2 minutes.
  • drain, remove seeds Toast the coconut in a heavy skillet,over medium heat, stirring the whole while until it becomes a lovely brown.
  • Do not leave it in the skillet as it will burn.
  • Cool.
  • Put the cooled coconut into a blender or food processor and grind very fine, add 1/2 cup coconut milk, blend again, set aside, in a bowl In the blender without washing it blend chillies, onion, garlic, tumeric, coriander, cummin, curry powder and sliced lemon grass (or lemon rind) Blend to a puree.
  • If necessary add a tbsp of peanut oil.
  • Heat the remaining oil in a skillet and add the pureed onions& spices, fry stirring constantly until the moisture evaporates and the oil is around the edges.
  • Add ground coconut, coconut milk, bananas, and stir well.
  • Add chicken and stir gently as the mixture comes to a simmer cover and slow simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally or until the chicken is tender.