Name: Kerala Chicken Curry
Prep time: 40 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 kg Chicken; 2 nos Onion (chopped, small); 1/2 cup Small onion (cut into halves, Kunjulli); 3 nos Green chillies (slit); 1/2 cup Grated coconut; 1 no Tomato (chopped, big); 1 piece Ginger; 8 nos Garlic cloves; 1 1/2 tsp Chilly powder; 2 tsp Coriander powder; 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder; 1/2 tsp Black pepper powder; 1 tsp Chicken masala; Salt (As reqd); Cinnamon (a small piece, Karugapatta); 4 cloves Cloves (Grambu); 3 nos Cardamom (Elakka); 1 tsp Fennel seeds (Perinjeerakam)

Kerala Chicken Curry is a culinary masterpiece that embodies the rich tapestry of flavors and cultural diversity found in the southern state of India, Kerala. Renowned for its bold use of spices, aromatic coconut and tender chicken, this dish has become a symbol of the region’s unique gastronomic heritage.

Kerala, often referred to as “God’s Own Country,” is a land of lush greenery, pristine backwaters and a vibrant culinary tradition. The cuisine of Kerala is a reflection of its geographical and historical influences, incorporating a harmonious blend of indigenous ingredients and foreign spices introduced through trade routes.

Kerala Chicken Curry is a quintessential dish that reflects the rich and diverse flavors of Kerala cuisine, but it’s just one of many popular Kerala recipes that showcase the state’s vibrant culinary heritage.

At the heart of Kerala chicken curry lies a meticulous selection of spices that have been a part of the region’s culinary repertoire for centuries. The spice trade, which brought ingredients like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper to Kerala’s shores, has greatly influenced the local cuisine. These spices are not just flavor enhancers, they tell the story of Kerala’s historical connections and its openness to diverse cultural influences.

The use of coconut is another defining feature of Kerala chicken curry. Coconut palms are abundant in the region and every part of this versatile fruit, from its flesh to its milk and oil, finds its way into Kerala’s culinary creations. In the case of the chicken curry, coconut milk imparts a luxurious creaminess to the dish, balancing the intensity of the spices and creating a velvety texture that is as indulgent as it is flavorful.

The cooking techniques employed in making Kerala chicken curry also contribute to its uniqueness. The slow-cooking method, a hallmark of Kerala cuisine, allows the flavors to meld and develop over time. This patient approach not only yields a dish with complex and layered tastes but also showcases the importance of time-honored traditions in Kerala’s kitchens.

Kerala chicken curry is more than just a meal, it’s a sensory experience that transports you to the vibrant streets and bustling markets of this enchanting state. The preparation of this dish often involves a certain level of artistry, with each cook infusing their personal touch and expertise into the recipe, ensuring that no two curries are exactly alike.

In conclusion, Kerala chicken curry is a celebration of flavors, a testament to Kerala’s rich history, and a journey into the heart of Indian cuisine. Whether you’re savoring it in a traditional Kerala home or recreating it in your kitchen, this dish is an invitation to explore the vibrant and diverse world of Kerala’s culinary treasures.

Kerala Chicken Curry

Tasty chicken curry with thick coconut milk gravy. The spicy flavor is captivating.

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Prep Time 40

Total Time 40

Cuisine Kerala

Servings people

Ingredients

1 kg Chicken
2 nos Onion chopped, small
1/2 cup Small onion cut into halves, Kunjulli
3 nos Green chillies slit
1/2 cup Grated coconut
1 no Tomato chopped, big
1 piece Ginger
8 nos Garlic cloves
1 1/2 tsp Chilly powder
2 tsp Coriander powder
1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
1/2 tsp Black pepper powder
1 tsp Chicken masala
Salt As reqd

Fry and grind to a powder the following:

Cinnamon a small piece, Karugapatta
4 cloves Cloves Grambu
3 nos Cardamom Elakka
1 tsp Fennel seeds Perinjeerakam

Instructions

Cut chicken into small pieces.
Grind together ginger and garlic into a coarse form.
Extract 1 cup of coconut milk from the grated coconut and keep aside.
Heat oil in an non stick pan or kadai.
Add onions and saute in a low flame.
Cover and stir occasionally.
When it turns to golden brown, add green chillies and saute.
Add ground ginger and garlic and saute well.
Heat chilly and coriander powder together in another pan.
Add it to the kadai followed by turmeric, pepper powder and previously roasted spices powder.
Pour 1 tsp of oil into the pan.
Add chicken masala and saute for 2 minutes.
Add tomato and curry leaves.
When tomato becomes tender, add chicken and saute, until its color changes.
Add salt and half the coconut milk with little water(not too thick).
Cover and cook on a low flame.
When gravy thickens, add the remaining coconut milk and remove from fire.
Heat oil in a small pan.
Splutter mustard seeds.
Fry chopped small onions and a few curry leaves.
Pour it into the curry for garnishing and to enhance the taste and flavor.
:-Serve Kerala Chicken Curry hot.

Notes

You can visit this link Easy Chicken Roast. You can also visit this link Varutharacha Chicken Curry.

Varieties of Kerala Chicken Curry

Kerala's diverse culinary heritage offers an array of chicken curry recipes, each with its own distinct flavor and preparation techniques. From easy-to-make versions to traditional recipes passed down through generations, here are some popular varieties of Kerala Chicken Curry:

Easy and Tasty Chicken Curry: This version is perfect for those looking for a quick yet flavorful meal. With basic ingredients like onions, tomatoes, and spices, this curry can be whipped up in less time while retaining a rich, spicy taste. It’s ideal for beginners or those who want to enjoy authentic Kerala flavors without too much complexity.
Kerala Easy Chicken Curry: This variation emphasizes ease and simplicity. Prepared with minimal ingredients, it features the bold flavors of Kerala's staple spices like coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. This is an excellent choice for those who crave a hearty dish without the intricacies of a more complex recipe.
Kerala Tasty Chicken Curry : Known for its rich, aromatic gravy, this version uses freshly ground spices and coconut milk to create a creamy, flavorful curry. It is often garnished with fried curry leaves and onions for an extra layer of flavor. The emphasis is on taste and balance between spices and coconut milk.
Kerala Style Easy Chicken Curry : This variant follows a similar approach to the Easy Chicken Curry but incorporates traditional Kerala ingredients like coconut milk or grated coconut for added richness. It’s a straightforward recipe, yet it showcases the essence of Kerala cuisine with every bite.
Traditional Kerala Chicken Curry : A classic and time-honored recipe, this curry involves slow-cooking chicken with a blend of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, complemented by coconut milk. The slow-cooking method allows the flavors to develop fully, making it an essential part of Kerala’s traditional feast, or sadhya.
Punjabi Chicken Curry : This fusion dish combines the robust flavors of Punjabi cuisine with the subtle, coconut-infused taste of Kerala cooking. While keeping the rich, tomato-based gravy typical of Punjabi curries, the addition of coconut milk or grated coconut gives it a Kerala twist. It’s a perfect blend of northern and southern Indian flavors.

Why Kerala Chicken Curry is a Must-Try

Kerala Chicken Curry is more than just a dish; it’s a cultural experience. The combination of freshly ground spices and coconut oil imparts a distinct aroma that is synonymous with Kerala cuisine. The curry leaves, often spluttered in hot oil, add an authentic touch, enhancing the flavor profile. Whether you're making the traditional version or a quick and easy variant, the core of the dish remains the same—simple, delicious, and packed with flavor.

Additional Tips for Perfect Kerala Chicken Curry

Using Fresh Spices
Freshly ground spices enhance the flavor and aroma of your chicken curry. Try roasting and grinding spices like fennel, cinnamon, and pepper before adding them to your dish for a more authentic taste.
Coconut Variations
Coconut is a staple in Kerala cuisine, and it can be used in various forms: coconut milk, grated coconut, or even coconut oil. Each version adds a different dimension to the curry, so you can experiment to find your preferred combination.
Curry Leaf Garnish
A sprinkle of freshly fried curry leaves adds an extra aromatic touch to your Kerala chicken curry. This step might seem small, but it plays a crucial role in elevating the dish's overall flavor.
Adjusting Spice Levels
Kerala chicken curry is known for its robust flavors, but the spice levels can be adjusted according to your preference. If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the amount of chili and black pepper powder, and increase the coconut milk for a creamier taste.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Response (8)

s

sajitha April 24, 2006

I tried, my husband and child enjoyed very much

k

kavya December 4, 2011

I tried.. very gud…

a

ani August 4, 2008

Thnx.I tried.Excellent.Vowww.send more recipies sreekala

a

ash January 28, 2008

SIMPLY SUPERB….!!!!!!!!! This was the first time I did a chicken curry and it came out so well tht I cudn`t really believe I did it… :)sure i would be trying this again.Thanx a lot for this wonderful recipe and keep posting.


Load more replies (4)
a

akr January 17, 2007

Thanks for sharing this excellent dish… tried this and it turned to be excellent . In fact i tried almost all the high rated kerala chicken dishes mentioned in this site(curry/gravy) and this one turned out to be the winner . exactly the same taste of my sisters chicken dish .

J

John February 11, 2007

Thank you for helping me to make my first chicken curry ,and it turned out great!!!Keep up the good work.

r

rajasree arun October 31, 2006

it was really excellent. expecting more.thank you

A

Aby December 17, 2005

Sreekala – You are the woman!, good recipe. This was my first attempt
to prepare a chicken gravy and it turned out to be THE BEST.

Thanks very much.

Aby.

4 from 8 votes (8 ratings without comment)

Kerala Chicken Curry