1. Make the spice paste: heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium high heat in a small frying pan, when hot, add the chillies, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, black peppercorns and poppyseeds. Fry briefly until roasted. Put them in the spice grinder and grind to a powder. Empty the lot into a blender, ad the garlic, ginger, turmeric and salt to the blender, along with 6-8 tablespoons water. Blend until you have a smooth paste.

2. Heat the remaining oil in a large saucepan over medium high heat. When hot, add the bayleaves, cardamom pods, cinnamon, fennel seeds, cloves and lentils. Stir and fry briefly until the lentils turn reddish.

3. Add the onions and fry until they are soft.

4. Add the spice paste, fry for about five mins, adding water if necessary t stop it sticking.

5. Add the tomato, fry some more

6. Add the chicken and make sure it is well mixed in. Add about 2 cups of water - enough to cover. Bring to the boil, then simmer on low until chicken is cooked. - 20 mins

7. Get the chicken out with a slotted spoon, then reduce the sauce till it's very thick, by boiling it for about five mins. Add the chicken back in, stir for a minute or two, then serve (on boiled rice again, yummee)

Madhur Jaffrey - Flavors of India

Reg 4 shared by Petra <phildeb@gmx. Net>