Ingredients

• 1/4 cup grated unsweetened coconut
• 1 1/2 tablespoons raw cashew pieces
• 1 tablespoon white poppy seeds (optional)
• 5 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced shallots or onion
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons minced ginger
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh green chilies (serrano or Thai)
• 1 cup chopped tomato
• 3 tablespoons coarsely chopped cilantro leaves, plus more for garnish
• 6 teaspoons coriander
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon Garam Masala (see below)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs and breasts, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 whole pieces star anise
• 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground clove
• 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

1. In a mini food processor or blender combine the coconut, cashews, poppy seeds, and 1/3 cup water. Grind thoroughly to form a smooth paste like pesto. (A mini processor works best for this.) Set aside.
2. In a wide deep pan heat 3 tablespoons of the oil over medium-high heat. Fry 1 cup of the shallots until light brown. Stir in the garlic, ginger, green chili, and fry for 1 minute. Add the tomato, 3 tablespoons cilantro, ground masala, garam masala, salt, and 1/2 cup water; fry until the tomato breaks down and forms a paste.
3. Add the yogurt and stir until it dissolves. Add the chicken and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Fry the remaining 1/2 cup shallots in the remaining 2 tablespoons oil until very brown and crisp. Remove them to a plate.
5. Add the coconut and cashew paste to the chicken and simmer for 10 more minutes. Check the salt.
6. Place the star anise in a coffee grinder and grind to a fine powder. Measure out 2 teaspoonfuls, reserving the rest for another use.
7. Grind the fennel seeds in the coffee grinder to form a fine powder.
8. Combine all the ingredients and store in an airtight jar away from the light. It will keep for 6 months.