Healthier Budget: Random Chicken Curry

So...please don't expect this to be any kind of authentic, to any kind of cuisine. I slung everything in the slow cooker and hoped for the best - and was pleasantly surprised.

This is quite decently healthy. The only added fat is the coconut milk, and if split into 8 portions it adds less than 90 calories per portion for a ton of flavour. There's plenty of veg in here, and if you're calorie counting or dropping carbs then serve it with cauliflower rice, or indeed over any veg you have.

Using the online calculators, I estimate this to be around 400cals & 30g protein per portion, depending on the veg you put in. That's if you get 8 portions. 10 portions would be around 320 cals/25g protein. Don't forget to count whatever you serve it with.

Random Chicken Curry

Ingredients:

• 1kg chicken thighs, skinless & boneless

• 2 large onions

• 4 cloves garlic, or equivalent in paste/granules

• 5 tsp fresh or frozen ginger (if you only have ground, add 2 tsp)

• 4 tbsp curry powder - I used medium, but you can use mild or hot to suit your tastes

• 1 tbsp ground coriander

• 1 tbsp cumin

• 1 tbsp paprika

• 4 tbsp tomato puree

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 3 tins tomatoes - I had a few frozen home grown tomatoes so I subbed some with those

• 1 tin coconut milk, full fat for best flavour. If you use the light version it will be a bit watery and crap so it's worth the extra few calories per portion

• 100g frozen spinach - you can use fresh but add it at the last minute

• 300g mushrooms, chopped

• 200g other random veg - green beans, broccoli, cauliflower are all good

Method:

1. Throw everything in the slow cooker - chicken at the bottom, spices sprinkled over, then add everything else on top. Cook on high for 3 hours. Give it a stir every half hour or so.

2. Taste it, and add more seasonings if you wish. If it's a bit too spicy for you, you can save it by adding more coconut milk, or some cream.

3. Split into 8-10 portions. Leave to cool completely before putting the lids on and freezing. Remember to write on the tubs what's in there!

4. Serve with rice, naan bread, or just over veg for a lower calorie meal that's full of goodness.