Sapporo Snow Curry
Sapporo Snow Curry is a unique and delightful dish that originates from Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido, Japan. Known for its extreme winters and heavy snowfall, Sapporo offers a variety of comfort foods to keep the chill at bay. Sapporo Snow Curry is one such creation, combining the rich, hearty flavors of traditional Japanese curry with a creamy, snowy-white sauce that resembles the winter landscapes of Hokkaido.
Ingredients
- Chicken - 500g, boneless
- Onion - 1 large, diced
- Potato - 2 medium, cubed
- Carrot - 1 large, sliced
- Butter - 2 tablespoons
- Flour - 3 tablespoons
- Curry powder - 2 tablespoons
- Coconut milk - 400ml
- Milk - 200ml
- Salt - to taste
- Pepper - to taste
- Rice - 2 cups, cooked
- Green peas - 1/2 cup, for garnish
- Coriander - fresh, for garnish
Preparation
Before you begin cooking, it's important to prepare all the ingredients in advance. Start by dicing the onion and slicing the carrot. Cube the potato and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Cooking Process
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent. This should take about 5 minutes. The aroma from the onions will be your cue to move to the next step.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, ensuring it is sealed to keep the moisture in. This will take another 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Incorporate Vegetables
Add the carrot slices and potato cubes to the pot. Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 4: Prepare the Snowy Curry Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the cooked ingredients and stir continuously for about 2 minutes. The flour acts as a thickening agent, which will give the curry its unique consistency. Add the curry powder and continue stirring to ensure even coating.
Slowly pour in the coconut milk and milk, stirring constantly to avoid clumping. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for approximately 20 minutes or until the potato and carrot are tender.
Step 5: Final Seasoning
Season the curry with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the spices according to your preference. Let the curry simmer for an additional 5 minutes to ensure all flavors are melded perfectly.
Serving the Sapporo Snow Curry
Serve the Sapporo Snow Curry over freshly cooked rice. Garnish with green peas and freshly chopped coriander. The green contrasts beautifully with the snowy white curry, creating an enticing presentation.
Enjoying Your Dish
Enjoy your Sapporo Snow Curry on a cold winter night. This hearty dish is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Pair it with a light salad and a glass of white wine for a perfect meal. If you're dining with guests, share the history of the dish and watch their faces light up with each bite.