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Malabar Chicken Curry

Malabar Chicken Curry

South IndianSouth IndianIntermediateIntermediateMain CourseMain Course
Malabar chicken curry in a bowl
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Tiamongla Kasar
Written by
Tiamongla Kasar
Contributer Intern

Spicy
Malabar Chicken Curry
Recipe – A Comforting Coastal Classic

78 mins
Cooking Time
Intermediate
Difficulty
20
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)

Follow
Directions

Description - Step 1

Prepare Coconut Paste

Add freshly chopped coconut and ½ cup of water to a blender. Blend until smooth and keep it aside for later use.

Step 1
Prepare Coconut Paste
5 Minutes
Step 2
Heat Oil & Cook Onions
10 Minutes
Step 3
Add Aromatics
3 Minutes
Step 4
Add Spices
1 Minute

FAQs

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.