Main Course

Chicken Curry with Hijiki

A bowl of chicken curry with hijiki seaweed, served over steamed rice, with visible pieces of chicken and dark hijiki strands in the golden sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Prep
20 minutes
Cook
45 minutes
Servings
4
FusionModerateDinnerDairy FreeGluten Free

About this dish

This chicken curry with hijiki is a beautiful fusion of Japanese and Indian flavors. The hijiki seaweed adds an umami-rich, slightly sweet depth that melds seamlessly with the warm spices of traditional Indian curry.

It's a nourishing one-pot dish that's both comforting and adventurous, perfect for those looking to explore beyond the usual curry.

Ingredients

UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.

Boneless chicken thighs

protein

600 g

Imperial measurement: 1.3 lb

Dried hijiki seaweed

vegetable

15 g

Imperial measurement: 1/2 oz

Large onion

vegetable

1

Ripe tomatoes

vegetable

2 medium

Fresh ginger

herb

1 inch piece

Garlic cloves

herb

4

Vegetable oil

fat

2 tbsp

Cumin seeds

spice

1 tsp

Ground coriander

spice

1 tsp

Turmeric powder

spice

1/2 tsp

Red chili powder

spice

1/2 tsp

Salt

seasoning

1 tsp

Water

liquid

1 cup

Imperial measurement: 240 ml

Fresh cilantro

herb

1/4 cup chopped

Method

1

Rehydrate hijiki

20 minutes

Place dried hijiki in a bowl and cover with cold water. Soak for 20 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.

2

Prepare chicken and base

10 minutes

Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop onion. Grate ginger and mince garlic. Blend tomatoes into a smooth puree.

3

Cook aromatics

10 minutes

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds. Add onion and cook until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Add ginger and garlic, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4

Add spices and tomato

10 minutes

Add ground coriander, turmeric, and red chili powder (if using). Stir for 30 seconds. Add tomato puree and salt. Cook until the mixture thickens and oil separates, about 10 minutes.

5

Cook chicken

5 minutes

Add chicken pieces to the pot and stir to coat with the masala. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is sealed on all sides.

6

Add hijiki and simmer

20 minutes

Add soaked hijiki and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is tender and flavors meld.

7

Finish and serve

5 minutes

Taste and adjust salt. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with steamed rice or naan.

Equipment

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Nutrition facts

420 kcal
Calories
35 g
Protein
18 g
Carbohydrates
24 g
Fat
5 g
Fiber
720 mg
Sodium

Tips

  • For a richer flavor, use ghee instead of vegetable oil if you are not dairy-free.
  • Hijiki doubles in volume when rehydrated, so do not be alarmed by the small amount.
  • You can substitute chicken breast for thighs, but thighs yield a juicier result.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread. A side of cucumber raita would add a cooling contrast.

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Anaya Narayanan

Recipe by

Anaya Narayanan

Specialises in Indian cuisine

Anaya Sharma is a biryani specialist who layers rice like a architect.

Describe yourself in three words: Precise, proud, saffron hands.