Creamy Chicken Curry Stew with Currants and Orzo
Immerse yourself in the delightful flavors of this Creamy Chicken Curry Stew, a rich and comforting dish that brings together tender chicken pieces, aromatic spices, and the sweetness of currants. Cooked to perfection in a fragrant broth, this stew also features the delightful texture of orzo pasta, making it a satisfying one-pot meal. For curry enthusiasts, the addition of cream towards the end of the cooking process elevates this dish to a luxurious experience, adding a velvety finish that melds beautifully with the spices. Ideal for gatherings, this recipe is easily customizable to cater to your spice preference—just add a jalapeño for an extra kick. Not only is this stew great for a cozy dinner, but it’s even tastier the next day, making it a fantastic dish to prepare in advance. Serve it warm with a dollop of plain yogurt for a refreshing contrast.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
oil
2-4 tablespoons (For sautéing)
large onion
1 (Chopped)
small red bell pepper
1 (Chopped)
fresh garlic
1 tablespoon (Chopped (or more to taste))
boneless chicken breasts
6-8 (Cut into about 1-inch pieces (can substitute with boneless skinless thighs))
curry powder
1 tablespoon (Add more if desired)
grated fresh ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons (Freshly grated)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
chicken broth
4 cups (Adjustable, can add more if needed)
diced canned tomatoes
2 cups (With juice)
large granny smith apple
1-2 (Peeled and coarsely chopped)
orzo pasta
1/3 cup
dried currants
1/4 cup
salt
To taste
pepper
To taste
plain yogurt
For serving (For topping)
Instructions
1
In a large Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper, sautéing for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
3
Stir in the crushed red pepper and minced garlic; cook for another minute until fragrant.
4
Increase the heat slightly and add the cubed chicken along with the curry powder and grated ginger. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the chicken begins to brown.
5
Pour in the chicken broth, and add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and chopped granny smith apples. Bring the mixture to a boil.
6
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper to taste.
7
After 45 minutes, add the orzo and dried currants to the pot, continuing to simmer uncovered for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked and tender.
8
Serve the stew hot, ladled into bowls, and finish with a generous dollop of plain yogurt for added creaminess and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken Curry Stew?
It is a rich and comforting dish featuring chicken, aromatic curry spices, sweet currants, and orzo pasta.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can substitute the 6-8 boneless chicken breasts with boneless skinless thighs.
How do I make the stew creamy?
The creaminess comes from finishing the dish with a generous dollop of plain yogurt or adding cream at the end.
What type of apples should I use?
The recipe calls for 1-2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and coarsely chopped.
How long does the stew need to simmer?
It simmers covered for 45 minutes, followed by an additional 5-6 minutes uncovered once the orzo is added.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic after sautéing the onion and red bell pepper for about 5 minutes.
Can I make this stew spicier?
Yes, you can increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a jalapeño for an extra kick.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is even tastier the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
What is orzo?
Orzo is a small pasta shaped like a large grain of rice, which adds a delightful texture to the stew.
Should I drain the canned tomatoes?
No, add the 2 cups of diced canned tomatoes along with their juice to the pot.
How much chicken broth is needed?
The recipe requires 4 cups of chicken broth, but you can add more if you prefer a thinner consistency.
What size should I cut the chicken?
The chicken breasts or thighs should be cut into approximately 1-inch pieces.
What role do currants play in this recipe?
Dried currants provide a subtle sweetness that balances the savory and spicy elements of the curry.
Can I use dried ginger instead of fresh?
Freshly grated ginger is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use ground ginger in a pinch.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, the entire dish is cooked in a single large Dutch oven, making it convenient for cleanup.
How should I serve the stew?
Serve it hot in bowls, finished with a dollop of plain yogurt for a refreshing contrast.
When do I add the orzo?
Add the orzo and currants after the initial 45-minute simmering period.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Yes, the apples should be peeled and coarsely chopped before being added to the pot.
What oil is best for this recipe?
You can use 2-4 tablespoons of any neutral cooking oil suitable for sautéing over medium heat.
How much curry powder should I use?
Start with 1 tablespoon, but feel free to add more if you prefer a stronger curry flavor.
What aromatics are used in the base?
The base is made by sautéing chopped onion, red bell pepper, garlic, and grated fresh ginger.
Can I substitute currants with raisins?
Yes, raisins or chopped sultanas can be used as a substitute for dried currants.
How do I know when the orzo is cooked?
The orzo is done when it is tender, which usually takes about 5-6 minutes of simmering uncovered.
Is this recipe suitable for gatherings?
Yes, it is easy to prepare in advance and satisfies a variety of palates.
What equipment do I need?
A large Dutch oven is ideal for this recipe to ensure even cooking and enough space for all ingredients.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, vegetables like carrots or peas would make a great addition to this stew.
How many servings does this recipe make?
Based on the ingredients, it typically serves 4 to 6 people.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but you may need to add a bit more broth or water to account for the loss of juice from the canned version.
What provides the heat in this dish?
The heat comes from the curry powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh ginger.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.