Each year on January 12th, curried chicken lovers enthusiastically celebrate National Curried Chicken Day by making a dish full of a variety of flavorful spices.
When making a true curried chicken, don’t reach for the curry powder. Instead, chicken is stewed in a sauce made from clarified butter (known as ghee) onions, garlic and a variety of spices such as cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric. Other ingredients include chilies and tomatoes.
“Curries came into favor as an excellent way of using up cold meat.” Lizzie Collingham Curry: A Tale of Cooks and Conquerors
Curry powder made its way into recipes by way of Britain. Their long-time presence in India left a desire for the flavors of the East on the palates of many of the English. Curry powder and recipes with it existed as early as the 1700s but curried chicken and other curried meat recipes gained popularity during the British Raj beginning in 1858.
In parts of the United States, curried chicken is a popular dish known as Country Captain Chicken, a stewed chicken dish that has been flavored with curry powder.
The following clip, originating from the Hobson-Jobson Dictionary, is regarding Country Captain:
“Country Captain was served to United States 32nd President, Franklin D. Roosevelt along with General George E. Patton in 1940 by Mrs. W.L. Bullard of Warm Springs, Georgia. Their strong liking of the dish brought it’s popularity to the Southern United States.”
Invite guests to join you for this delicious dish. Any celebration is better when served to good company and joined with laughter. Try one of these recipes or share one of your own with us. We enjoy trying new recipes all the time. Another way to celebrate is by going to your favorite restaurant. Be sure to give them a shout out with the hashtag, too! Spread the joy. It’s the best way to #CelebrateEveryDay!
Curried Chicken Salad
Curried Chicken Thighs
Use #CurriedChickenDay to post on social media.
National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this tasty food holiday.
Source: National Day Calendar