Balti Chicken

Serves 4-6

800g chicken
1 onion - chopped
4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons oil
3 garlic cloves - crushed
1/2 teaspoon crushed black peppercorns
1/2 teaspoons crushed cardamom pods
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon chilli powder
1/2 cup ground almonds
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon saffron strands
1 teaspoon lemon juice
150ml natural yoghurt
150ml water
150ml cream
2 tablespoons chopped coriander

Melt butter and oil in deep pan.  Add chicken and fry until brown.  Remove chicken from pan and put into casserole dish.  Do not discard fat and juices left in the pan.   Add chopped onion and fry for a minute or so over a medium heat.

Meanwhile mix together in a bowl the garlic, spices, yoghurt, almonds, lemon juice, salt and saffron strands.  When onions are brown add spice mixture to the pan and stir fry for 1-2 minutes.  Add water and simmer.  Transfer the mixture to the casserole dish and cook for 30-35 minutes at 180C.

When cooked, stir in cream and most of the chopped coriander.

Serve with basmati rice and garnish with the rest of the coriander.