Indian spiced yoghurt chicken with cardamom-coconut pilaf

SERVES 4-6

Play around with different spices in the pilaf – cloves and star anise work very nicely, as do fresh curry leaves. This dish reheats well, so consider doubling it to ensure there’ll be leftovers.

100 gm Greek-style yoghurt, plus extra to serve 4 garlic cloves, finely grated 1 tbsp garam masala 1 kg chicken thighs (about 8), bone in, skin on Toasted shredded coconut, coriander sprigs, pickled chillies and lime wedges, to serve

CARDAMOM-COCONUT PILAF

2 tbsp ghee 1 small red onion, finely chopped 12 cardamom pods, bruised 300 gm (1½ cups) basmati rice, rinsed 500 ml (2 cups) chicken stock 100 ml coconut milk Pinch of saffron threads, soaked in 20ml of warm water 40 gm (¼ cup) currants 400 gm canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 Preheat oven to 230°C. Combine yoghurt, garlic and garam masala in a large bowl, add chicken and toss to coat. Season, spread out on large baking tray lined with baking paper and roast until browned and juices run clear when a thigh is pierced with a skewer (18-20 minutes).

2 Meanwhile, for cardamom-coconut pilaf, heat ghee in a large saucepan over mediumhigh heat, add onion and cardamom, season to taste and sauté until onion is softened and translucent (4-5 minutes). Add rice and stir to coat, then add chicken stock, coconut milk and soaked saffron and water and bring to the boil. Cover with a tight-fitting lid, then reduce heat to low and simmer for

14-15 minutes. Remove pan from the heat, remove lid and add currants and chickpeas, re-cover and stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

3 Divide pilaf among plates, top with chicken, coconut, coriander and chillies and serve with lime and extra yoghurt.