Thinly slice the onion. Crush or finely chop the garlic. Pick the coriander leaves, then finely chop the stems. Crumble 1 stock cube* into a heatproof jug, add 125ml (½ cup) boiling water and stir to dissolve. Add the coconut milk and half the tomato paste* and whisk to combine.
Step 2 — Brown chicken
CHICKEN BREAST OPTION Thinly slice the chicken into strips. Heat 1 tbs oil in a medium deep frypan over high heat. Stir-fry the chicken for 2 mins or until golden (the chicken won't be cooked through). Remove from the pan and reserve the pan.
Step 3 — Cook rice
Meanwhile, rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Put in a small saucepan with 250ml (1 cup) water, cover and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 12 mins or until tender and the water is absorbed. Turn off the heat and stand, covered, for at least 5 mins.
Step 4 — Start curry
While the rice is cooking, melt 20g butter in the reserved pan over medium-high heat. Cook the onion, stirring occasionally, for 7-8 mins until caramelised.
Step 5 — Cook curry
Add the garlic, coriander stems and masala seasoning to the onion and reduce the heat to medium. Cook, stirring, for 1-2 mins until fragrant. Stir in the chicken, coconut milk mixture, half the tomatoes* and 3 tsp sugar and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 mins until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is slightly thickened.
Step 6 — Get ready to serve
Taste the curry, then season with salt and pepper. Fluff the rice with a fork. Divide the rice and curry among bowls. Scatter over the remaining coriander to serve.