Reunion-style chicken curry (gluten-free)

Chicken curry is a classic of Réunion cuisine, a dish that blends spices, simplicity, and authenticity. You'll find it in every restaurant on the island and in guesthouses, especially during your mountain hikes. Traditionally served with rice, grains (lentils or peas), and a rougail (a relish), this dish is naturally gluten-free. With this recipe, discover how to prepare a traditional chicken curry. Perfect for a family meal that will transport your taste buds!

Servings: 5

Special diet: naturally gluten-free

Ingredients

1 whole chicken cut into pieces or 1 kg of chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs)
4 ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped (or a can of chopped tomatoes)
2 medium onions, sliced
4 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 piece of ginger (approximately 3 cm)
2 sprigs of fresh thyme
3 curry leaves (or kaloupile, if available)
1/2 tsp of turmeric
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
1 small chili pepper (optional, according to your taste)
Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

1
Preparing the chicken: Cut the chicken into 8 or 10 pieces. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Brown the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and almost cooked through.
2
Preparing the aromatic base: In the same pot, add the sliced onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in the garlic, grated ginger, and curry leaves. Sauté for 2 minutes to release the aromas.
3
Cooking the tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes and turmeric. Mix well. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes, until the tomatoes form a thick sauce.
4
Cooking the curry: Return the chicken pieces to the pot. Add the thyme, salt, pepper, and optionally the whole chili pepper (without piercing it if you prefer a milder flavor). Cover with a little water (just enough to slightly submerge the chicken).
5
Simmering: Cover and simmer over low heat for 20 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the curry from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The meat should be tender and the sauce well reduced.
6
Serving: Serve hot, accompanied by white rice, lentils, spinach or greens, a tomato rougail or a lemon rougail, for a traditional Réunion curry.

Keywords: Réunion-style chicken curry, gluten-free chicken recipe, international chicken recipe