Fragrant Green Chicken Curry

Ingredients

Green Curry Paste:

• 6 spring onions, washed and trimmed
• 4 to 6 medium green chilies, seeded and finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger root, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds, pounded and crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 handful lime leaves, torn
• 2 lemon grass stalks, trimmed back and finely chopped
• 2 good handfuls fresh basil on the stalk
• 3 good handfuls fresh coriander on the stalk
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 limes, zested and juiced
• 4 chicken breasts without bone and skin, each cut into 5 large pieces
• 16 ounces coconut milk
• 1 handful chopped pistachio nuts

Directions

Put all the green curry paste ingredients in a food processor and whizz to a smooth green paste. Marinate the chicken in a little of the paste for 30 minutes, then add a little oil and the chicken pieces to a hot casserole-type pan or wok. Fry for 4 minutes, then add the remainder of the marinade -- it will sizzle and spit. Stir in the coconut milk, bring to the boil and simmer gently for 8 minutes until the chicken is cooked. Season to taste. The flavor should have a kick but be reasonably mellow -- very fresh and fragrant.

Sprinkle with the pistachios and some coriander leaves and serve with steamed rice or noodles, and chunky coconut, tomato, cucumber and lime relish.