Kerala country chicken
A great friend of mine was recently in India and brought back a fantastic recipe book from the Karala district. This one really appealed to me, good straight forward home style chicken curry made in one pot, well just about. It is a real country style indian stew with a hint of coconut that gave it a really interesting flavor. For those who need a great Indian spice outlet, in Cape Town go to Atlas trading, 94 Wale st, Bo0-kaap. JHB go to the Oriental plaza and Durbs, just head for downtown and follow the smells. (6 hungry people easily)
What you need
1 kg chicken pieces, skin removed
350g potatoes in bite size pieces
1 large onion chopped
2 large green chilis chopped
4cm piece fresh ginger finely chopped
4 cloves garlic roughly chopped
4-6 curry leaves
2 420g tins coconut milk
250ml plain yogurt
4 tablespoons coriander powder *(yes tablespoons)
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon garam masala
2-3 teaspoons salt
The process
In a large pan over a high heat, heat a little oil and add the garlic, chilis and ginger, saute for about a minute.
Add the onions and curry leaves and cook, stirring constantly until the onions go traslucent and soft.
In a large pot heat a little more oil and add the spices, chili powder, turmeric, garam masala and coriander and fry, stirring constantly for about 2-3 minutes.
Now add the onion mixture, potatoes and chicken pieces and combine the ingredients well.
Now add the coconut milk, season with salt and simmer for about 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is done.
Lastly add the yoghurt, mix well and simmer for about another 10- minutes.
Serve with rice and sambals
Hi Graham,
I have been using your recipies for a few years now and am on your mailing list.
With the effect of inflation on our pension, we have all had to pull back on our living standards. I always find something which can fit into my meal budget. Perhaps we need a pensioners section like your “end of month” recipies.
Just a note to thank you again.
Thanks Arty, that is a great suggestion. I will see what I can do about putting some recipes together for a budget meal section. Happy days G
Hey Graham,I am dumbstruck.Did u really make the curry in the photo that u have posted?If u did,then I am sure that u r an awesome cook.Its exactly the way we make at home back in Kerala.My husband loves this curry and was impressed when he saw the photo and the recipe 🙂 Excellent work.
Hi Laxmi, Sorry about the late reply, just had to have a few days off! I make this at least once or twice a month and just love it… It may come out a little less yellow on the table but thats pretty much how it looks. Thanks for the compliment, much appreciated but just a guy who loves to cook. I was introduced to Kerala style cooking by a friend who returned from the region in December 2008.. there are many more that I have not yet tried so keep checking back. Have a great year G
Hi Graham. Loved the Kerala Country Chicken – my whole family did. I left out the two chillies though and it didn’t seem to make a difference. Thank you so much. Another place to try to spices is Osmans in Gatesville, just off Klipfontein Road. Have lovely weekend.
Hi Shafika, thanks for the info on Osmans, it’s always good to know. glad the family enjoyed. G
You really choose the recipes you send with lots of thought. Most appreciated.
Thanks Pat, glad you are enjoying the site. Cheers G
Dear Graham
Just wanted to say thanks so much for the amazing recipes. I forwarded your website to our local Butchery so that they can give out recipes with meat cuts. I also include a recipe in my weekly Info email to our local Community – these are appreciated by all the people who enjoy cooking and so on.
Kind regards
Ros
Fantastic Ros, I’m so glad you are enjoying and the more people cook the happier I am. have a great weekend g