Aarti Paarti's Green Curry

I've been enjoying watching and following the next Food Network Star (U.S.) religiously every week.  Aarti's GREEN CURRY stirred up my curiosity and when Bobby Flay said "At last, some flavors!" it totally caught my attention.  The color of the curry looks so vibrantly green and I happen to love cilantro and mint.  So, I did a search and found that the recipe has been posted and I don't have much excuse not to make this dish as I have tons of mint and cilantro in my garden. I made this and the aroma that permeated my house is just amazing!  I invited some friends over for dinner and it was a real hit. My husband who absolutely despise cilantro finds the flavor acceptable to his palate and was asking for seconds. The flavor of the cilantro and mint was somewhat muted through the cooking process and became very mellow and when the children asked for seconds, I know that this is definitely a keeper!

I did not have any yogurt at hand and substituted with some coconut milk instead and  served it with some Basmati rice spiced with a little saffron, cinnamon and cloves instead of Naan bread.  Enjoy ! Let me know how you like this dish.  

Ingredients

• 2 small bunches cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped, 1 1/2 cups
• 1 bunch fresh mint, leaves, coarsely chopped, 1 1/2 cups
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 6 cloves garlic
• 1 1/2-inch piece ginger, peeled and coarsely chopped
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup water, plus 1 1/2 cups
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 shallots, thinly sliced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, about 1 3/4 pounds, halved
• 1/2 teaspoon malt vinegar
• 1/4 cup plain whole milk yogurt, whisked until smooth
• Cooked Basmati rice or warm Naan bread, for serving

Directions

Add the cilantro, mint, red onion, garlic, ginger, and salt, and pepper, to taste, to a food processor or blender. Puree on high until smooth. With the processor running, add about 1/4 cup water, and blend until the mixture is the consistency of a thick paste, a.k.a. "masala". Set aside.

In a large pot or deep skillet heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the shallot and cook, stirring often, until golden brown.

Add the spices and cook for 30 seconds. Pour the masala mixture into skillet and cook, stirring often until it deepens in color and aroma. You'll know it's ready when it looks shiny, little droplets of oil will appear on the surface, and the Masala (spice paste) will hold together as a cohesive mass.

Add the chicken, coating every piece in the masala and stirring often. Continue to cook for 5 minutes, so that the Masala really adheres to the chicken. Add about 1 1/2 cups water, just enough to cover the chicken, and the vinegar. Bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until the chicken is tender and sauce has thickened slightly, about 20 to 25 minutes.

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the yogurt. Taste and adjust seasonings, if needed. Transfer the mixture to a serving dish and serve over rice or with warm Naan bread.
Do not let missing a spice or two stop you from trying this dish, it will still turn out
wonderful!