CHICKEN CURRY with TOMATOES for EARTH HOUR. Come join us!

This year, Earth Hour has been transformed into the world’s first global election, between Earth and global warming. Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday. 8:30PM local time, wherever you live on planet earth. Saturday 28 March 2009
The only way to truly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to take the pressure off climate change, is through an international treaty on climate pollution. And the only way that will happen is if politicians around the world become convinced that climate change is an issue that concerns people, one that will make them change the way they live, spend — and vote.

India will join in Earth Hour 2009 in the global fight against climate change. Hundreds of Indian residents will switch off their lights for Earth Hour as symbol of this positive message of change to the world.In 2009, millions of people from all walks of life will join together for Earth Hour and show the world that it’s possible to take action on global warming. As one of the most pressing challenges facing mankind today, climate change is in no way less alarming than the evident threat of terrorism that the nation is currently reeling under. Lights will be dimmed on buildings and pivotal landmarks and monuments throughout the city centres on 28th March 09 and thousands of people in several cities of India will be coming together to celebrate, in candlelight, the Earth Hour campaign. Scores of businesses and local companies from cities around India have registered their support for Earth Hour 2009. Global media companies like Fairfax Media, Australia are helping to spread the global warming action message and various celebrities are lending their valuable support for Earth Hour.

Join us for Earth Hour 2009, turn off your lights at 8.30pm Saturday 28 March and sign-up here at earthhour.org.

I made this chicken curry the other night from a recipe I found as I wandered around Maninas. As she says, this curry is simple, light & aromatic. I used fresh tomatoes, & fresh currypatta leaves off our tree (see her note at the end of recipe), & the flavours came through beautifully.

I am sending this recipe to Anna @ Morsels & Musings for her Earth Hour food blogging event asking to “cook a recipe that you can enjoy by candle light and that has a low carbon footprint (ie made from locally sourced ingredients and minimal packaging)”.

Chicken Curry with Tomatoes
(Hyderabadi Timatar Murgh)
Adapted from Maninas post here
Adapted from Madhur Jaffrey’s ‘The Ultimate Curry Bible’
Ingredients:
700 g chicken, on the bone
1 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
6 cloves of garlic, peel and crushed
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp salt (or according to taste)
3 desert spoons of oil
3 medium onions; chopped (about 200gms)
2 heaped tbsps thick yogurt
8 small tomatoes; peeled & chopped fine (approx 450 gms)
4-6 green chilies
15 – 20 fresh curry leaves
2 – 3 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped

Method:

• Marinate the chicken with garlic, ginger, cumin, turmeric and some salt for 30 minutes or longer.
• Heat the oil to high medium heat. When hot, add onions and fry until brown.
• Add the chicken with its marinade and stir-fry on high heat for 4-5 minutes. Add the yogurt & roast well for 5-7 minutes till the sides leave oil.
• Now add the tomatoes, the chilies, the curry leaves and coriander and bring to simmer. Cover and reduce heat to low, then cook for another 15-20 min or until the chicken is done, and the tomatoes turned into a dark, luscious, thick sauce. Serve with rice or roti.

Notes from Maninas
It’s worth seeking out fresh curry leaves (though use dried curry leaves, if you have to), because they make a difference to the flavour. I might try this with fresh tomatoes next time.
The chilies are boiled in the sauce and therefore very very mild. I loved biting into them, though. I think I’ll try and add a few more next time, to add more heat to the dish.