Recipe - Kerala Style Malabar Chicken Curry

Drenched in the scents and flavors of southern India, Kerala Style Malabar Chicken Curry is a culinary masterpiece that invites you to explore the rich heritage of Kerala's cuisine. With its enticing blend of aromatic spices and the subtle creaminess of coconut milk, this dish encapsulates the essence of the region's gastronomic traditions. In this article, we embark on a captivating culinary journey, delving into the intricacies of crafting this beloved recipe. From the marination of succulent chicken to the harmonious infusion of spices and coconut milk, we'll guide you through the steps of preparing this iconic dish that has graced generations of Kerala's tables. Whether you're seeking to indulge in a taste of Kerala or yearning to expand your culinary repertoire, the Kerala Style Malabar Chicken Curry promises to be a delightful expedition that ignites the senses and transports you to the heart of this enchanting Indian state.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp coriander powder
Salt to taste

For the Curry Base:

2 onions, finely sliced
2 tomatoes, chopped
2 green chilies, slit
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 sprig curry leaves
2 cups coconut milk
2 tbsp coconut oil

Spice Blend:

1 tsp fennel seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
3-4 cloves
3-4 green cardamom pods
1-inch cinnamon stick

Preparation Time:

Marination (15 minutes):

- In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt.

- Let the chicken marinate for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.

Spice Blend (5 minutes):

- In a dry pan, lightly roast the fennel seeds, cumin seeds, cloves, green cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick.

- Grind the roasted spices into a fine powder using a spice grinder.

Cooking Time:

Curry Base (10 minutes):

- Heat coconut oil in a pot over medium heat.

- Add sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

- Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, cooking for another minute.

- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften.

Curry Assembly (25 minutes):

- Introduce the marinated chicken to the pot, and cook until the chicken changes color.

- Incorporate the ground spice blend, ensuring it coats the chicken evenly.

- Pour in coconut milk and bring the curry to a gentle simmer.
- Add curry leaves for that quintessential flavor.

Simmering and Serving (20 minutes):

- Allow the curry to simmer on low heat for around 15-20 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and tender.

- Once done, turn off the heat and let the curry rest for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoying the Culinary Odyssey (Time to indulge!):

Scoop the aromatic and savory Kerala Style Malabar Chicken Curry onto your plate. Pair it with steamed rice, appam, or parotta to fully embrace the experience. With every bite, you'll be diving into the rich tapestry of Kerala's culinary legacy, feeling its warmth and authenticity. As you relish the harmonious blend of spices and the soothing touch of coconut milk, you'll find yourself transported to the lively kitchens of Kerala, where countless generations have honed the craft of crafting this cherished dish to perfection.