How spicy is Malabar chicken curry?

Malabar curries are moderately spicy, not too hot. The spice comes from chilli powder and black pepper, while coconut helps balance the heat and adds mild, pleasant warmth rather than a sharp heat.

What is the flavour of Malabari curry?

Malabari curry has a rich and comforting flavour. It tastes slightly creamy from coconut, with warm spices and a mild heat. The curry leaves and coconut oil give it a fresh and aromatic touch, making it very flavourful without being too strong.

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken works well and cooks faster. However, bone-in chicken gives a deeper flavour and keeps the curry richer and more traditional.

How long can I store Malabar chicken curry?

You can store the curry in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavours often taste even better the next day after resting and soaking well.

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Recipes

Malabar Chicken Curry

South Indian

Intermediate

Main Course

Written by

Tiamongla Kasar

Contributer Intern

Spicy
Malabar Chicken Curry
Recipe – A Comforting Coastal Classic

Name: Spicy ~Malabar Chicken Curry~ Recipe – A Comforting Coastal Classic
Total time: 78 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: South Indian
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons Coconut oil; 1 cup Onions (chopped); 15-20 Curry leaves; 3-4 Green chillies (slit); 1 tablespoon Ginger-garlic paste; 2 tablespoons Coriander powder; ½ teaspoon Turmeric powder; 2 teaspoons Kashmiri red chilli powder; 1 teaspoon Black pepper powder; 1 cup Tomatoes (chopped); 1 kg Chicken (bone-in, cut pieces); 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste); 1 cup Fresh coconut paste; ½ cup Water; For Coconut Paste:; ¾ cup Fresh coconut (chopped); ½ cup Water; For Tempering:; 2 tablespoons Coconut Oil; 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds; ¼ cup Fresh coconut (chopped); ¼ cup Shallots (sliced)

78 mins

Cooking Time

Intermediate

Difficulty

Ingredients

Non Veg

Diet

Spicy Malabar Chicken Curry Recipe comes from the beautiful Malabar Coast of Kerala, a region known for its rich food traditions and bold use of spices. This dish is deeply rooted in the coastal culinary traditions of Kerala, where coconut, curry leaves, and freshly ground spices play a big role in everyday cooking. The curry is known for its comforting texture, mild heat, and a deep aroma that fills the kitchen as it slowly cooks. The base of this curry is made by sautéing onions, spices, and tomatoes, followed by slow-cooking chicken in a fresh coconut paste. This method ensures that the chicken absorbs all those rich flavours while remaining tender and juicy. The finishing touch is a tempering of mustard seeds, coconut, and shallots, which not only adds a lovely crunch but also enhances the overall flavour profile. This chicken curry tastes best when served steaming hot and fresh, but it can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. In fact, the flavours deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day. You can reheat the curry before serving and enjoy it alongside rice, appam, or soft Kerala parotta.

Ingredients

UNITSIngredients

4 tablespoonsCoconut oil

1 cupOnions (chopped)

15-20Curry leaves

3-4Green chillies (slit)

1 tablespoonGinger-garlic paste

2 tablespoonsCoriander powder

½ teaspoonTurmeric powder

2 teaspoons Kashmiri red chilli powder

1 teaspoonBlack pepper powder

1 cupTomatoes (chopped)

1 kgChicken (bone-in, cut pieces)

1 teaspoonSalt (adjust to taste)

1 cupFresh coconut paste

½ cupWater

For Coconut Paste:

¾ cupFresh coconut (chopped)

½ cupWater

For Tempering:

2 tablespoonsCoconut Oil

1 teaspoonMustard seeds

¼ cupFresh coconut (chopped)

¼ cupShallots (sliced)

Malabar Chicken Curry

Spicy Malabar Chicken Curry Recipe – A Comforting Coastal Classic

Ingredients

Spicy
Malabar Chicken Curry
Recipe – A Comforting Coastal Classic