The tangy, spicy blend of vinegar and Indian curry spices in Vindaloo is sure to satisfy and it's made without a pre-made paste or sauce mix. Adjust the spice level from milk to XXX hot by increasing the extra hot chili pepper powder.
1 to 1-1/2lbsboneless, skinness chicken (light or dark) cut into 1/2" inch pieces
Spice Marinade:
1onion, diced fine
1tablespoontomato paste
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4cupdistilled white vinegar or white wine vinegar - Heinz has a gluten-free variety.more or less to your personal tastes
1TSP to 2 TBSPEXTRA HOT chili pepper powder[See note 1], more or less to your desired heat level
1/2teaspoonground cloves
2teaspoonsgarlic, minced
1piecefresh ginger, about 2 inches, peeled and sliced
1teaspoonsweet paprika
1/4teaspoonground cinnamon
1/2teaspoonground cumin
1/2teaspoondry mustard
1tbspsugaroptional, to round out the acidity of the vinegar
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
Place cubed or thinly sliced chicken pieces into a glass bowl or zip top bag and set aside.
Add all the ingredients needed for the marinade and stir to combine.
Pour the marinade mixture over the chicken and toss well to evenly coat all the chicken pieces. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 6 hours. [See Note 2]
Cook the Vindaloo
In a large and deep skillet or wok heat the oil over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes. Stirring often.
Add 1/2 cup of water, simmer UNCOVERED on low for 7-10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through to 165°F.
If you prefer a thinner gravy add water as need and let it simmer for another 4-5 minutes before serving. I prefer the gravy to be thick and sticking to the meat pieces.
Serve hot with basmati rice.
Notes
Extra Hot Chili Pepper Powder is sold in an Indian grocery. It may also be sold in World Market. It is much hotter than cayenne pepper but cayenne may be substituted for the Extra Hot Chili Pepper Powder - but there will be a noticeable Scoville heat difference.
To increase the heat from this milder version of vindaloo, simply add more Extra Hot Chili powder until you hit an acceptable spice level. We start with a milder dish for those afraid of the heat and increase the heat (after their servings are taken) to XX or XXX hot for the spicy food lovers.
If the dish becomes too spicy, you can add some more vinegar or some sugar to balance it out.
The longer the marination the more tender the chicken. That being said, I've made this dish with near no marination and a super thin cut on the meat and it's still amazing.
For a super thin cut on the chicken meat, partially freeze the chicken (about 20 minutes) and then slice thin.
Nutrition is calculated based on the recipe as written. Additions, omissions, or substitutions will change the calculated values shown. The addition, omission, or substitution of ingredients will alter the nutritional information shown. Nutrition percentages are based on a 2000-calorie diet. The FDA recommends 80 micrograms of vitamin K.