Recreate the UK's top takeaways at home

We are currently living through the age of 'one-click away', where we can hop on our phones and order pretty much anything directly to us. With most takeaways, the food you've ordered will even arrive within the hour! But convenience comes at a price - takeaways are the most expensive they've ever been and frequently ordering them is no good for your health. That's why fakeaways are the tasty solution to your fast food cravings.

Deliveroo recently published the UK's top trending dishes and we are going to show you exactly how you can cook up your very own fakeaway versions of each dish landing in the top 10. In 7th place is the chicken ruby curry from Dishoom - a blend of sweet, savoury and spicy that packs a punch!

For the ruby chicken:

• 4 chicken breasts (about 600g), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 400g can of chopped tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato purée
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 150ml natural yogurt
• Fresh coriander, chopped (for garnish)

For the basmati rice:

• 250g basmati rice
• 500ml water
• Pinch of salt

Method

1. Prepare the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and fry until they are just cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. Cook the aromatics: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the onions and garlic, and cook until the onions are soft and golden.
3. Add spices: Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and chilli powder. Cook for a minute until fragrant.
4. Make the sauce: Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Combine chicken and sauce: Return the chicken to the pan, mixing well to ensure all pieces are coated with the sauce. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
6. Finish with yoghurt: Take the pan off the heat and stir in the yoghurt until well combined.
7. Prepare the rice: While the chicken is cooking, rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Bring 500ml of water to a boil in a pot, add a pinch of salt, and then the rice. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
8. Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork and serve alongside the ruby chicken. Garnish the chicken with chopped fresh coriander.

Approximate cost & savings

As of March 2024

Dishoom (London-based) - 15.90 (for one serving)
Fakeaway ruby chicken - £9.03 (for four servings)

• Chicken Breasts (600g): £3.50 - £5.00
• Olive Oil: £0.10 (using a small portion of a larger bottle)
• Garlic Cloves: £0.10
• Large Onion: £0.22
• Canned Chopped Tomatoes (400g): £0.35 - £0.80
• Tomato Purée (2 tablespoons): £0.05 (using a small portion of a tube)
• Ground Cumin: £0.05 (using a small portion of a jar)
• Ground Coriander: £0.05 (using a small portion of a jar)
• Paprika: £0.05 (using a small portion of a jar)
• Ground Turmeric: £0.05 (using a small portion of a jar)
• Chilli Powder: £0.05 (using a small portion of a jar)
• Sugar: £0.01 (using a small portion of a larger pack)
• Natural Yogurt (150ml): £0.30 - £0.50
• Fresh Coriander: £0.70 - £0.85
• Basmati Rice (250g): £0.50 - £1.00

Total estimated savings: £13.64 (for one serving)

This is an approximate cost breakdown based on generic supermarket prices in the UK. Prices can vary based on the store, brand, and quality of ingredients. Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate and specials or bulk purchases can reduce costs.

A satisfying and filling dish that is perfect for a flat meal together! Keep checking back for more recipes that recreate your favourite takeaways.