Imagine the fragrant blend of spices wafting through your home, with the tantalizing aroma of Trader Joe’s Yellow Curry leading the way. This curry is an exotic blend of turmeric, cumin, and coriander, complemented by the sweet notes of cinnamon and cardamom. It’s a flavor-packed meal that brings the tastes of far-off places right to your dinner table.
Whether you’re a seasoned curry lover or a newbie to this dish, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress. Let’s dive into the vibrant world of Trader Joe’s Yellow Curry recipe – a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with delight!
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What is Trader Joe’s yellow curry?
Trader Joe’s Yellow Curry is a unique blend of classic Indian spices with a twist. It combines traditional curry flavors such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander with the unexpected sweetness of cinnamon and cardamom. This fusion of savory and sweet creates a rich and complex flavor profile that is both comforting and exciting.
The recipe originated from Trader Joe’s, a specialty grocery store known for its diverse and high-quality products. The yellow curry has become a fan favorite, often selling out quickly due to its popularity. But don’t fret – with this recipe, you can easily recreate the magic of Trader Joe’s Yellow Curry in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love this Trader Joe’s yellow curry?
There are many reasons why this Trader Joe’s Yellow Curry is a must-try dish. Not only does it have a unique and irresistible flavor, but it also has some amazing health benefits. The main ingredient in this curry, turmeric, is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It’s also rich in essential vitamins and minerals, making it not just delicious but also nutritious.
Additionally, this recipe can easily be customized to fit different dietary restrictions and preferences. It’s naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan or vegetarian by substituting the protein source with tofu or chickpeas. With its versatility, this curry is a crowd-pleaser that everyone can enjoy.
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The Ingredients
Trader Joe’s Yellow Curry Sauce: This sauce is the star of the dish. It’s packed with flavors of various spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. This ready-made sauce saves time and ensures the curry has a consistent, authentic flavor.
Jasmine Rice: Jasmine rice is a crucial component of this dish because it serves as the base that soaks up the delicious curry flavors. This type of rice is preferred for its fragrant aroma, slightly sticky texture when cooked, and its ability to complement the strong flavors of the curry.
Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil is used for sautéing the ingredients. It’s a neutral oil that doesn’t interfere with the taste of the other components. It also helps in evenly cooking the chicken and vegetables, ensuring they are well-seared and flavorful.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Chicken breast is a lean protein source that adds substance to the curry. It’s boneless and skinless to ensure easy eating and even cooking. The chicken absorbs the curry flavors well, making every bite savory and rich.
Carrots and Potatoes: These root vegetables add a sweet and earthy flavor to the curry. They also provide a contrasting texture, with carrots adding a slight crunch and potatoes giving a soft, comforting bite. Their natural sweetness balances the spicy and savory notes of the curry.
Bell Peppers: Bell peppers add a pop of color and a fresh, slightly sweet flavor to the dish. They also provide a crunchy texture, which contrasts nicely with the softness of the cooked chicken and potatoes.
Onion: Onion is essential for building the base flavor in the curry. Its pungent and sweet taste when sautéed enhances the overall taste of the curry. It also adds a bit of texture to the dish.
Cilantro: Cilantro is used as a garnish in this recipe. Its fresh, citrusy flavor complements the rich and spicy curry, adding a refreshing touch. It also adds a vibrant green color to the dish, making it visually appealing.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the ingredients
Start by preparing all the ingredients. Chop the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, dice the carrots and potatoes, slice the bell peppers and onions, and mince the cilantro.
Step 2: Sauté the vegetables
In a large pan or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add in the carrots and potatoes and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
Step 3: Add the chicken
Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add in the chicken breast. Cook for 4-5 minutes until lightly browned on all sides.
Step 4: Mix in the bell peppers and onions
Once the chicken is cooked, mix in the bell peppers and onions. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until softened.
Step 5: Pour in the Yellow Curry Sauce
Add the entire jar of Trader Joe’s Yellow Curry Sauce to the pan and stir to combine all ingredients.
Step 6: Simmer and cook
Lower the heat to medium-low and let the curry simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to develop and the vegetables to fully cook.
Step 7: Cook the rice
While the curry is simmering, cook jasmine rice according to package instructions.
Step 8: Serve and enjoy
Once everything is cooked, serve the yellow curry over a bed of jasmine rice. Garnish with chopped cilantro and enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite!
Notes
- Make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly before adding in the vegetables and sauce.
- If using frozen veggies, make sure to thaw them before cooking as they release excess water when cooked from frozen.
- This recipe can easily be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick and delicious meal. Just store the cooked curry and rice separately in the fridge and combine before reheating.
- To save time, use pre-cut vegetables or a bag of frozen mixed veggies instead of chopping them yourself.
- For a more budget-friendly option, use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. They are cheaper and have more flavor.
Nutrition Information
How to store Trader Joe’s yellow curry?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stove until warmed through. However, it’s best to consume the curry within 2-3 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
This yellow curry can also be frozen for future use. Simply let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or microwave until warmed through.
Variations
- Use different protein sources such as tofu, chickpeas, or shrimp instead of chicken.
- Make it spicier by adding red chili flakes or diced jalapenos.
- Serve over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier option.
- add more vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or zucchini for added nutrients and crunch.
- For a creamier curry, add a can of coconut milk to the sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs of Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (sliced into ½-inch by 2-inch strips)
- 2 cups of Jasmine rice
- 2 tablespoons of Vegetable oil
- 2 cups of potatoes cut into ¼-inch slices
- 3 cups of Bell peppers (cut into ¼-inch thick slices)
- 2 cups of carrots peeled and cut into ¼-inch slices
- 22 oz of Trader Joe’s yellow curry sauce
- 1 Bunch of Cilantro
- 1 cup of Onion (cut into ¼-inch slices)
Instructions
- Chop chicken, dice carrots and potatoes, slice bell peppers and onions, and mince cilantro.
- Heat oil in a pan, sauté carrots and potatoes for 3-4 mins until slightly soft.
- Push veggies aside, add chicken, and cook for 4-5 mins until browned.
- Combine bell peppers and onions; cook 2-3 mins until soft.
- Add Trader Joe’s Yellow Curry Sauce to the pan; stir.
- Reduce heat, and simmer curry for 10-15 mins, stirring occasionally for flavor and veggie tenderness.
- Prepare jasmine rice as directed on the package.
- Serve curry over rice, garnish with cilantro, and savor the delicious flavors!
Notes
- Make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly before adding in the vegetables and sauce.
- If using frozen veggies, make sure to thaw them before cooking as they release excess water when cooked from frozen.
- This recipe can easily be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick and delicious meal. Just store the cooked curry and rice separately in the fridge and combine before reheating.
- To save time, use pre-cut vegetables or a bag of frozen mixed veggies instead of chopping them yourself.
- For a more budget-friendly option, use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. They are cheaper and have more flavor.
Nutrition
FAQs
I don’t have Jasmine rice. Can I use another type of rice?
Absolutely! While Jasmine rice is preferred for its aroma and texture, you can use other types of rice like Basmati or even brown rice. The flavor might differ slightly but the dish will still be delicious.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by substituting the chicken with tofu or chickpeas and ensuring that the curry sauce you use is vegan-friendly. Also, serve with a vegan rice option like quinoa or cauliflower rice.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to use a gluten-free curry sauce and serve with a gluten-free rice option if needed. Plus, this curry is packed with nutritious vegetables and protein, making it a great option for those following a gluten-free diet.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot or slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be made in an Instant Pot or slow cooker. For the Instant Pot, simply add all ingredients (except cilantro) and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. For the slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Both methods may require a longer cooking time for frozen vegetables.
Wrapping Up
Trader Joe’s Yellow Curry is a dish that brings together diverse flavors and textures to create a unique and delightful experience. Whether you’re new to curry or an avid fan, this recipe is sure to impress. Next time you visit Trader Joe’s, grab a jar of their famous Yellow Curry Sauce and give this recipe a try. The sweetness of cinnamon and cardamom adds depth, creating the perfect balance of flavors in every bite.
So go ahead and add this delicious dish to your menu for a cozy night in or impress your friends with your culinary skills. Either way, you can’t go wrong with Trader Joe’s Yellow Curry. Happy cooking and savoring!
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more