MALAYSIAN CHICKEN CURRY

Steps:

• First, dry fry the dessicated coconut with turmeric, ground ginger, garlic powder, chilli flakes, salt and pepper until lightly browned (you can also toast it in the oven at 300°F for 5-10mins but you have to watch it VERY carefully as it burns quickly; you may need to stir once or twice); set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan.
• Once hot, turn heat down to medium hot and saute onion, garlic, chopped chilli, ginger and lemongrass for 2 minutes.
• Stir in curry powder, mix well for another minute.
• Stir in chilli paste, stir fry until well-combined.
• Add curry leaves, stir fry until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
• Add about 1/2 - 1 cup of water and coconut milk.
• Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
• Add the chicken pieces and let cook over low heat for approximately 20 minutes, adding more water if you find it too dry.
• Add the evaporated milk to the curry, stir well.
• Add the vegetables and simmer for another 10 minutes.
• You may add some salt and pepper if desired (i usually add a good dash of black pepper).
• Finally, stir in the dessicated coconut (the mixture should be quite thick).
• Serve over hot coconut rice (nasi lemak), garnished with sliced cucumber.