SPICY CREAMY COCONUT CLAY POT CHICKEN

Steps:

• If using a glazed clay pot, soak for 15 minutes in water before using - do not preheat oven.
• If cooking conventionally, pre-heat oven to 180°C.
• Chop chicken into large chunks, about 6cm (2 1/2") square.
• In a small bowl, combine garlic, onion, lemon grass, ginger, chili, shrimp paste (if using) and oil - mix well being sure to break up shrimp paste.
• If using shredded coconut, dry fry over medium heat in a large frying pan, tossing frequently until light brown - be careful not to let it burn.
• Add onion mixture to the pan and fry for about 30 seconds until aromatic.
• Add chicken pieces and fry briefly for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned.
• Add coconut milk (reserve coconut cream for later), lime zest, brown sugar, vinegar and fish sauce (if using instead of shrimp paste).
• Transfer contents of frying pan to soaked clay pot (or to crock pot or oven-proof casserole dish).
• For clay pot, place into a cold oven, set temperature to 180°C and, when oven reaches set temperature, cook for 60 minutes.
• For conventional cooking, place boiling contents of frypan in ovenproof casserole, cover with a lid and place in pre-heated oven for approx 40 minutes.
• For crock pot, place boiling contents of frypan in crock pot and cook for 4-6 hours.
• At the end of cooking time, remove lid, stir in coconut cream and 1 heaped teaspoon bottled minced coriander (if using).
• Cook, uncovered, for a further 10 minutes for sauce to thicken slightly (do not expect a thick sauce).
• Remove from oven and stir in the juice of HALF the lime (or to taste).
• Taste and add a little salt if necessary.
• Serve over steamed jasmine rice and garnish with coriander leaves.