Chicken, lemongrass, and sweet potatoes simmered in coconut milk merge to become pure magic.

Many people compare Vietnamese food with that of Thailand.

Given that, youd think that Viet and Thai curries would have lots in common.

Vietnamese Chicken Curry (Cà Ri Gà) in bowls

Alison Conklin

They do, with regard to the use of coconut milk and aromatics.

India has also influenced Viet culture for millennia, particularly through the Cham Kingdom long ago.

Black pepper and cayenne inject pungent heat.

Cà Ri Gà, Vietnamese Curry with Sweet Potato

Simply Recipes / Alison Conklin

Simply Recipes / Alison Conklin

What Is Madras Curry Powder?

If you travel to Saigon (a.k.a.

Nowadays, its stocked in the spice section of many supermarkets and is sold online, too!

Cà Ri Gà, Vietnamese Curry with Lemongrass

Simply Recipes / Alison Conklin

Its my go-to, and thank goodness, its easy to find.

Despite its name, Madras curry powder is not a true Indian ingredient.

The spice blend was inspired by Madras, a city in south India thats now called Chennai.

Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk lemongrass

Alison Conklin

However, like with all curry powders, the spice blend was invented and popularized by the British.

India does produce curry powder, much of which is exported.

If the curry is too hot, squirt on some lime juice to cut the heat.

Coconut Curry Chicken make the curry paste

Alison Conklin

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Want More Great Vietnamese Recipes?

First of all check out my book,Vietnamese Food Any Day!

Chicken Curry remove the cream

Alison Conklin

If large thighs are unavailable, use smaller ones and cut each into two pieces.

Published by Ten Speed Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC.

Add the ginger and pulse to finely chop.

Vietnamese Curry with Sweet Potato cook the lemongrass ginger paste

Alison Conklin

Add the onion and pulse again to chop.

Stir the remaining lighter milk, and set both aside.

In a 3- to 4-quart pot over medium-high heat, melt the coconut oil.

Vietnamese Curry with Chicken add the chicken

Alison Conklin

Lower the heat as needed to avoid scorching.

Add the coconut milk and a little water to cover the chicken.

Uncover the pot, add the sweet potatoes, and return the curry to a simmer.

Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk simmer the curry with sweet potatoes and coconut milk

Alison Conklin

Continue cooking for 10 to 12 minutes, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender.

Serve immediately, garnished with the cilantro.