Kolkata Chilli Chicken

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil or peanut oil
• 2 medium Spanish onions, finely chopped
• 4 boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• spring onion, shredded, to serve (optional)

for the MARINADE

• 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons cornflour
• 1 inch gingerroot, peeled and finely grated (2-3cm)
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons malt vinegar
• 2 tablespoons tomato puree
• 2 teaspoons demerara sugar

Directions

1. 1

   MARINADE:.

2. 2

   Note: You'll need to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Marinating it for longer (up to 24 hours) will increase its flavour.

3. 3

   Mix all the marinade ingredients together and set aside. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a heavy-based pan and fry the onion over a medium heat for 5 mins until softened, but not coloured. Remove from the heat, cool and combine with the marinade in a large bowl. Add the chicken and stir to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

4. 4

   Heat the remaining oil in the pan. Tip in the chillies and white pepper, and fry over a low heat for 1 minute Add the chicken pieces along with the marinade, then fry for 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked. Top with the spring onions and serve.