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1.Heat a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the flaked coconut, 'dry frying' it by stirring until fragrant and lightly toasted to a light golden-brown. Transfer to a bowl to cool.
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2.Return pan to heat. Add 2 Tbsp. oil plus shallots/onion, ginger, garlic and chili. Stir-fry 1-2 minutes.
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3.While stir-frying, add the following: turmeric, coriander, and 2 types cumin. Stir spices in, adding a little more oil if needed.
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4.Add stock plus 3/4 can of coconut milk. Add the bay leaf and kaffir lime leaves or lime juice. Also add the fish sauce, tomato ketchup/puree, and 1/2 tsp. sugar, stirring everything together well.
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5.Add chicken and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer (medium-low). Simmer 20 minutes for whole chicken pieces or 10 minutes for boneless chicken. Stir occasionally.
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6.Add the sweet potato or yam plus 1/2 the toasted coconut. Continue simmering 10 more minutes, or until potato/yam has softened enough to easily pierce with a fork and chicken is cooked. Stir occasionally.
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7.Reduce heat to minimum. Add remaining coconut milk and stir to dissolve into the curry sauce.
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Taste-test for salt and spice, adding more fish sauce if not salty or flavorful enough, or more chili for a spicier curry. Add more sugar if you prefer it sweeter. Portion out into bowls and top with fresh coriander plus a final sprinkling of toasted coconut.