Chicken With Whole Spices

Course :	Curry
From:	HungryMonster.com
Serves:	1

Ingredients:

2 1/4	pounds	chicken pieces
4	tablespoons	cooking oil
1	teaspoon	cumin seeds
1	large	onion -- finely chopped
1	piece	root ginger -- peeled and finely chopped
2	whole	dried red chillies -- up to 3
2	piece	cinnamon sticks -- broken up
2	whole	black cardamoms -- split open the top of each pod
4	whole	cloves
10	whole	allspice seeds
1/2	teaspoon	ground turmeric
1	teaspoon	paprika
5	ounces	warm water
1 1/4	teaspoons	salt or to taste
2	medium	ripe tomatoes -- skinned and chopped
2	medium	fresh green chillies -- whole
1	tablespoon	ground almonds
2	tablespoons	chopped coriander leaves

Preparation:

Cut each chicken piece - separate leg from thigh and cut each breast in two. Heat the oil over medium heat and fry the cumin seeds until they pop then add the onions, ginger, garlic and red chillies. Fry until the onions are soft but not brown, stirring frequently. Add the cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and allspice, stir and fry for 30 seconds. Stir in the turmeric and paprika and immediately follow with the chicken. Adjust heat to medium high and fry the chicken until it changes colour, 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the water and salt. Bring to the boil. Cover the pan and simmer until the chicken is tender, about 30 minutes. Add the tomatoes, green chillies and the ground almonds. Stir and mix well. Cover the pan and simmer for a further 6-8 minutes. Stir in half the coriander leaves and remove the pan from the heat. Transfer the chicken to a serving dish and garnish with the remaining coriander leaves.