If you’re looking to bring a little heat and flavor to your dinner table, Chicken Madras Curry is the perfect dish to try. Originating from the southern part of India, Madras curry is known for its bold flavors, aromatic spices, and a perfect balance of heat and tang. This curry brings together a blend of spices that are sure to excite your taste buds.
Ingredients:
For the chicken marinade:
- 500g chicken (boneless, cut into cubes)
- 1 tablespoon yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
For the curry sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1-inch piece ginger (grated)
- 2 green chilies (slit lengthwise)
- 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Madras curry powder (or use regular curry powder)
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup water (or chicken stock)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the chicken Start by marinating the chicken pieces. In a bowl, combine the chicken cubes with yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together well, cover, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinating for a few hours will give the chicken even more flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the base Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds. When they start to splutter, add the finely chopped onions. Sauté the onions until they become golden brown and soft, which will take about 8-10 minutes.
Step 3: Add ginger, garlic, and green chilies Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and slit green chilies to the pan. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning.
Step 4: Spice it up Now it’s time to add the spices! Add the Madras curry powder, red chili powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, and ground turmeric. Stir well to coat the onions, ginger, garlic, and green chilies with the spices, letting them bloom for about 2-3 minutes. This step is essential to bring out the full depth of flavor.
Step 5: Tomatoes and simmering Add the chopped tomatoes and sugar. Stir and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes break down and turn into a thick paste. If the mixture looks too dry, you can add a little water to keep things from sticking.
Step 6: Add marinated chicken Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan. Stir everything to coat the chicken with the spiced tomato paste. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned on all sides.
Step 7: Simmer and simmer Add the water or chicken stock to the pan, stir, and bring the curry to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. If you want a creamier curry, add coconut milk during the last 10 minutes of cooking and mix it in.
Step 8: Final touches Once the chicken is tender and the curry has thickened to your desired consistency, taste and adjust the seasoning. Add salt if needed, and sprinkle some garam masala on top for an extra layer of flavor.
Step 9: Garnish and serve Serve the Chicken Madras Curry hot, garnished with freshly chopped coriander leaves. This curry pairs beautifully with steamed rice, naan bread, or even paratha.
Tips for the perfect Chicken Madras Curry:
- Adjust the heat: If you prefer a milder curry, you can reduce the amount of red chili powder and use less green chili. Conversely, for more heat, add extra chili powder or fresh chilies.
- Spices: Madras curry powder is essential for the authentic flavor, but you can also make your own spice blend with equal parts of coriander, cumin, mustard seeds, turmeric, and a bit of curry leaf powder.
- Protein Variations: You can substitute chicken with lamb, beef, or even paneer (for a vegetarian option). Adjust cooking times based on the protein used.
Conclusion:
Chicken Madras Curry is a dish that brings together rich and aromatic spices with a deliciously bold flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned curry lover or new to Indian cuisine, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a perfect blend of spice, heat, and comfort in every bite!
Happy cooking!
