This tantalizing Sri Lankan Chicken Curry, infused with a blend of spices and aromatics, is a cultural gem from the heart of Sri Lanka. Featuring succulent chicken coated in a rich and savory curry, this recipe transports you on a tropical journey with every bite.
Some ingredients may not be readily available in your pantry. Tamarind juice, often used in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine, adds a unique sweet-sour flavor. Madras curry powder, a blend of spices, is hotter than regular curry powder. Green cardamom pods have a strong, unique taste with an intensely aromatic, resinous fragrance. Curry leaves, an essential ingredient in Sri Lankan cuisine, add a distinct aroma and flavor.
Ingredients for Sri Lankan Chicken Curry
Chicken breasts: The main protein of the dish, offering a neutral taste that absorbs the flavors of the curry well.
White vinegar: Adds acidity and tanginess to the curry.
Tamarind juice: Imparts a sweet and sour flavor.
Madras curry powder: Gives the dish its signature heat and depth.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the dish.
Ground black pepper: Adds a slight kick.
Coconut oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a subtle sweetness.
Red Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
Green chile peppers: Adds heat to the curry.
Green cardamom pods: Imparts an aromatic sweetness.
Whole cloves: Adds a warm, sweet, aromatic flavor.
Curry leaves: Gives a distinct flavor and aroma.
Fresh ginger root: Adds a fresh, zesty flavor.
Cinnamon stick: Infuses the curry with a warm, sweet-spicy flavor.
Garlic: Adds a robust, savory note.
Water: Used to adjust the consistency of the curry.
Tomato paste: Adds depth and color.
Coconut milk: Adds creaminess and a subtle tropical flavor.
One reader, Jermayne Padgett says:
This Sri Lankan chicken curry recipe is a game-changer! The blend of spices creates an explosion of flavors that's simply irresistible. The creamy coconut milk adds a luxurious touch. It's a must-try for anyone who loves bold and exotic dishes. I can't wait to make it again!
Techniques for Authentic Sri Lankan Chicken Curry
How to marinate the chicken: Combine the vinegar, tamarind juice, curry powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
How to cook the spices: Heat the coconut oil in a wok or frying pan over medium heat. Cook the sliced onion, green chiles, cardamom pods, cloves, curry leaves, ginger, and cinnamon stick for about 5 minutes until the onion has softened and turned translucent.
How to make roasted curry powder: Dry roast 2 tablespoons of coriander seeds, 1 tablespoon of cumin seeds, 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds, 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns, 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds, and 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in a pan until fragrant. Grind the roasted spices into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
How to simmer the curry: After adding the chicken mixture, water, and tomato paste, simmer for about 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Then, gradually stir in the coconut milk and simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Be careful not to overheat the curry, as the coconut milk may curdle.
How To Make Sri Lankan Chicken Curry
Try a spicy dish with this Sri Lankan chicken curry. Chicken pieces are tossed with vinegar and tamarind juice, then simmered in coconut milk.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 18ozchicken breasts,(3 pcs) boneless skinless
- 2tbspwhite vinegar
- 1tsptamarind juice
- ¼cupMadras curry powder,plus 3 tbsp roasted
- 1tbspsalt,or to taste
- 1tspground black pepper
- 2tbspcoconut oil
- 1red onion,sliced
- 4green chile peppers,halved lengthwise
- 8green cardamom pods
- 6whole cloves
- 12curry leaves
- 1tspfresh ginger root,crushed
- 2inchcinnamon stick,(1 stick) broken in half
- 3clovesgarlic,minced
- ½cupwater
- 1½tbsptomato paste
- 14ozcoconut milk,(½ can)
Instructions
-
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Combine the vinegar, tamarind juice, ¼ cup curry powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add chicken and toss to coat.
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Heat the coconut oil in a wok or frying pan over medium heat. Cook the sliced onion, green chiles, cardamom pods, cloves, curry leaves, ginger, and cinnamon stick for about 5 minutes until the onion has softened and turned translucent.
-
Reduce heat to medium-low, and continue cooking and stirring for 15 to 20 minutes more until the onion is very tender and dark brown. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
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Add the chicken mixture, water, and tomato paste. Stir and simmer for about 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Add the roasted curry powder and stir until evenly dispersed.
-
Gradually stir in the coconut milk and simmer for 2 to 3 more minutes. (Do not overheat or the coconut milk may curdle.)
Nutrition
- Calories: 548.45kcal
- Fat: 41.17g
- Saturated Fat: 28.26g
- Trans Fat: 0.13g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.79g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.23g
- Carbohydrates: 18.80g
- Fiber: 6.42g
- Sugar: 4.93g
- Protein: 31.43g
- Cholesterol: 81.65mg
- Sodium: 853.44mg
- Calcium: 120.92mg
- Potassium: 870.00mg
- Iron: 7.23mg
- Vitamin A: 62.78µg
- Vitamin C: 71.07mg
Key Technique for Perfecting Sri Lankan Chicken Curry
When preparing the chicken for this Sri Lankan curry, it's important to ensure the pieces are evenly coated in the vinegar, tamarind juice, curry powder, salt, and pepper mixture. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Additionally, when adding the coconut milk, make sure the heat is low to prevent it from curdling. This will ensure a smooth and creamy curry.
Time-Saving Tips for Sri Lankan Chicken Curry
Prep ahead: Marinate the chicken the night before to allow the flavors to develop, saving time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-made curry powder: Opt for store-bought curry powder to save time on measuring and grinding individual spices.
Efficient chopping: Use a food processor to quickly chop onions, garlic, and ginger for the recipe.
Organize ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients before starting to cook for a smoother and quicker cooking process.
Simultaneous tasks: While the chicken is marinating, prepare the other ingredients to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Substitute Ingredients For Sri Lankan Chicken Curry Recipe
chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken breasts in this recipe. They have a similar texture and can absorb the flavors of the curry well.
white vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute for white vinegar, providing a slightly fruity and mellow flavor to the dish.
tamarind juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice can add a tangy and citrusy flavor similar to tamarind juice, providing a refreshing acidity to the curry.
madras curry powder - Substitute with garam masala: Garam masala can be used as a substitute for madras curry powder, providing a warm and aromatic blend of spices to enhance the flavor of the dish.
coconut oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil can be used as a substitute for coconut oil, providing a neutral flavor and a good base for cooking the ingredients.
red onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions can be used as a substitute for red onions, providing a slightly milder flavor while still adding sweetness to the curry.
green chile peppers - Substitute with jalapeño peppers: Jalapeño peppers can be used as a substitute for green chile peppers, providing a similar level of heat and a bright, fresh flavor to the dish.
green cardamom pods - Substitute with ground cardamom: Ground cardamom can be used as a substitute for green cardamom pods, providing a strong and aromatic flavor to the curry.
curry leaves - Substitute with bay leaves: Bay leaves can be used as a substitute for curry leaves, providing a subtle earthy flavor to the dish.
fresh ginger root - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used as a substitute for fresh ginger root, providing a warm and spicy flavor to the curry.
cinnamon stick - Substitute with ground cinnamon: Ground cinnamon can be used as a substitute for cinnamon stick, providing a warm and sweet flavor to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a convenient way to add garlic flavor to the curry.
tomato paste - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute for tomato paste, providing a rich and thick texture to the curry.
coconut milk - Substitute with cashew cream: Cashew cream can be used as a substitute for coconut milk, providing a creamy and nutty base for the curry.
Presenting Sri Lankan Chicken Curry
Elevate the plating: When presenting the Sri Lankan chicken curry, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Use fresh curry leaves and whole spices as garnishes to add color and texture to the dish.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Drizzle a swirl of tamarind sauce on the plate before placing the chicken curry. This adds a touch of elegance and enhances the overall presentation.
Utilize unique serving vessels: Consider serving the curry in handcrafted ceramic bowls or copper serving dishes to add a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Balance the plate: Pay attention to the placement of each element on the plate to ensure a harmonious balance of colors and textures. The goal is to create an inviting and visually appealing presentation.
Highlight the vibrant colors: Showcase the rich, vibrant colors of the curry by pairing it with a side of brightly colored vegetables or pickled onions. This contrast will make the dish visually striking.
Incorporate edible flowers: Add a pop of color and elegance to the plate by incorporating edible flowers as a delicate garnish. This adds a touch of refinement to the overall presentation.
Attention to detail: Pay close attention to the final details, ensuring that the plate is clean, and the presentation is flawless. Every element should be meticulously placed to showcase the culinary artistry of the dish.
Essential Tools for Making Chicken Curry
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for slicing, dicing, and chopping various ingredients.
- Frying pan: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and sautéing foods.
- Wok: A versatile round-bottomed cooking vessel used for stir-frying, steaming, and deep-frying.
- Grater: A kitchen tool used to grate foods such as cheese, vegetables, and spices.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential tools for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle used for making sauces, boiling liquids, and cooking grains.
- Wooden spoon: A cooking utensil used for stirring, mixing, and serving various dishes.
- Tongs: Kitchen utensils with two arms and a pivot used for gripping and lifting foods.
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending, whipping, and beating ingredients together.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Chicken Curry
- Allow the Sri Lankan chicken curry to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Transfer the cooled curry to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag.
- If using a container, make sure to leave some headspace at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- For storing in the refrigerator: Place the sealed container in the fridge and consume within 3-4 days.
- For freezing: Place the sealed container or bag in the freezer and store for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat, transfer the frozen curry to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
- Once thawed, transfer the curry to a pot and reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- If the curry appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of water or coconut milk to adjust the consistency.
- Serve the reheated Sri Lankan chicken curry hot with your favorite accompaniments, such as rice, roti, or naan bread.
How To Reheat Leftover Chicken Curry
Reheat the chicken curry in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method helps to preserve the texture and flavor of the curry, ensuring that the chicken remains tender and the sauce doesn't separate.
If the curry appears too thick, add a splash of water or coconut milk to help loosen it up and prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Stir gently to incorporate the added liquid.
For a quicker reheating method, transfer the curry to a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the curry is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the coconut milk to curdle.
If you have stored the rice separately, reheat it in the microwave or by steaming it in a covered bowl over a pot of simmering water. This will help to restore the texture and moisture of the rice.
To add a fresh twist to your leftover curry, garnish it with some freshly chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a squeeze of lime juice before serving. These bright, zesty flavors will help to liven up the dish and make it taste as good as new.
If you have any leftover vegetables or proteins, consider adding them to the curry during the reheating process. This is a great way to use up any odds and ends in your fridge and create a more substantial meal.
Interesting Fact About Sri Lankan Cuisine
The Sri Lankan chicken curry recipe is a popular dish in Sri Lankan cuisine. It is known for its rich and aromatic flavors, often attributed to the use of spices such as curry powder, tamarind juice, and coconut milk. This dish is a staple in Sri Lankan households and is often served with rice or flatbread.
Is This Chicken Curry Recipe Budget-Friendly?
The Sri Lankan chicken curry recipe is fairly cost-effective for a household. The key ingredients like chicken, spices, and coconut milk are reasonably priced and readily available. The dish offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying meal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20, depending on the availability and quality of ingredients. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is Sri Lankan Chicken Curry Healthy?
The Sri Lankan chicken curry recipe is a flavorful dish that incorporates a variety of spices and ingredients. While it does have some nutritional benefits, there are also some aspects that could be improved to make it healthier.
On the positive side, the recipe includes:
- Lean protein from the chicken breasts
- Antioxidant-rich spices like curry powder, ginger, and garlic
- Healthy fats from the coconut oil and coconut milk
However, there are a few areas of concern:
- The recipe is high in sodium due to the added salt and curry powder
- The coconut milk and oil contribute to a higher saturated fat content
- The recipe lacks a significant source of vegetables, which could provide additional nutrients and fiber
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of salt used or replace it with a low-sodium alternative
- Use light coconut milk instead of regular to lower the saturated fat content
- Add more vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, carrots, or spinach, to increase the nutrient density
- Serve the curry with a side of brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice to add more fiber and complex carbohydrates
- Use a leaner cut of chicken, such as skinless chicken breast, to further reduce the fat content
By making these adjustments, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of the Sri Lankan chicken curry while also benefiting from a more balanced and nutritious meal.
Editor's Opinion on This Flavorful Curry Recipe
The Sri Lankan chicken curry recipe is a delightful blend of aromatic spices and rich coconut milk, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The use of tamarind juice adds a tangy twist, complementing the warmth of the curry powder. The slow-cooked onions and spices infuse the dish with deep, complex flavors, while the tender chicken absorbs the essence of the curry. The addition of coconut milk brings a creamy, luscious texture to the dish. Overall, this recipe promises a tantalizing and authentic Sri Lankan culinary experience.
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Why trust this Sri Lankan Chicken Curry Recipe:
This #food# recipe offers an authentic taste of #SriLankan# cuisine, using traditional #spices# and cooking techniques. The combination of #madras curry powder#, #coconut milk#, and #tamarind juice# creates a rich and aromatic flavor profile. The use of #fresh ingredients# such as #ginger#, #garlic#, and #curry leaves# enhances the dish's authenticity. The careful instructions ensure that the #chicken# is perfectly cooked and infused with the #flavors# of the #spices#. Trust in this recipe to deliver a #delicious# and #satisfying# #SriLankan# #chicken curry# experience.
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