Vietnamese Chicken Curry (Ca Ri Ga)
This Vietnamese-style chicken curry, infused with sweet potatoes, offers a delightful blend of Southeast Asian flavors. Perfect for family gatherings, Cathy Danh’s recipe ensures tender chicken and rich gravy that’s best when allowed to marinate overnight.
Time: 2½ hours (30 minutes active)
Makes: 4 to 6 servings as part of a multicourse family-style meal
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped (1½ cups)
- 2 tablespoons Vietnamese or Madras curry powder
- 2¼ teaspoons salt, divided
- 3- to 4-pound chicken, cut into 8 serving pieces; or 3 pounds bone-in chicken parts (drumsticks, wings, breasts, etc.)
- 20-ounce can (2¹⁄³ cups) coconut milk
- 1 cup water, plus more as needed
- 2½ pounds sweet potatoes and/or russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
Instructions
1 Cooking the Curry:
- In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add chopped onion and cook until slightly softened, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in curry powder and ¼ teaspoon salt, cooking until fragrant, about 15 seconds.
- Add chicken pieces and brown for 3 to 4 minutes on each side to sear without fully cooking.
- Pour in coconut milk and water, followed by potatoes. Ensure chicken and potatoes are submerged; add more water if needed. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, ideally 2, until chicken is tender and gravy thickens due to potato starch.
2 Finishing Touches:
- Adjust seasoning with remaining salt. Serve hot with steamed rice or French bread.
Variations
- Southeast Asian Flavor: Add chopped lemongrass or crumpled kaffir lime leaves when frying onions.
- Spicy Kick: Include red chili flakes or ground dried chilies to intensify heat.
- Lighter Option: Decrease coconut milk and supplement with water for a lighter curry.
Notes
- Vietnamese Curry Powder: For authentic flavor, use Vietnamese curry powder available at Asian markets, similar to Madras curry powder but with unique spices.
- Potato Size: Cut potatoes into large chunks to retain shape during long cooking.
Grandma’s Advice
“Cut potatoes into big chunks to ensure they hold up well during the long cooking process.”
Enjoy this comforting Vietnamese Chicken Curry with its sweet-savory gravy alongside rice or bread, perfect for a cozy family meal or special gatherings.
