Chicken Malvani/Malvani Chicken Curry is like the beach holiday of curries—fiery, packed with flavour, and absolutely irresistible. If you haven’t yet indulged in this coastal gem, you’re missing out! And, trust me, once you make it at home, you’ll keep going back to it. What sets this dish apart is the distinctive chicken malvani masala that gives the curry its signature punch.
Today, I’m sharing a fun, foolproof chicken malvani recipe that’ll make you feel like a Malvani chef in no time. You don’t need to travel to the Konkan coast to taste it—just whip it up in your kitchen.
Let’s dive into this drool-worthy recipe and have some fun along the way, shall we?
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Malvani
First things first—get your ingredients ready. Here’s what you’ll need to make this chicken malvani curry recipe:
- 1 kg chicken curry cut
- 2 large onions, finely sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tablespoons chicken malvani masala (available in most stores)
- 1 tablespoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chilli powder (adjust as per heat preference)
- 2 green chillies (slit)
- 1 cup freshly grated coconut (optional but oh-so-good!)
- 2 tablespoons oil (coconut oil if you’re feeling fancy)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
For the Malvani Chicken Masala Powder (in case you’re up for some DIY):
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 3-4 cloves
- 1 small piece of cinnamon
- 2-3 dried red chillies
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 2 cardamom pods
Toast these spices and grind them into a fine powder. Voila—your homemade malvani chicken masala powder is ready! But hey, no judgement if you just grab some off the shelf.
Step-by-Step Chicken Malvani Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken. Mix in turmeric, salt, and a bit of the chicken malvani masala. Let it sit for 30 minutes. Use this time to chill with a cup of chai.
Step 2: Coconut Magic (Optional but Worth It)
If you love coconut, this step is for you. Take the grated coconut and dry roast it in a pan. Stir continuously to prevent it from burning (trust me, you don’t want that). Once golden brown, set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
Heat oil in a large pot. Add the sliced onions and cook until they turn golden brown. This part takes patience, so don’t rush it. The deeper the brown, the richer the curry.
Step 4: Add the Tomatoes
Once the onions are done, throw in the chopped tomatoes, ginger-garlic paste, and slit green chillies. Let everything cook down until the tomatoes are mushy and the oil starts to separate from the masala. This is when you know it’s time to add the magic mix.
Step 5: Spice It Up
Now comes the fun part. Add the remaining chicken malvani masala, coriander powder, red chilli powder, and turmeric. Give everything a good stir. This is where the real flavour of malvani chicken curry kicks in.
Step 6: Chicken Time!
Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pot. Coat them well in the masala. Let them brown slightly for about 5 minutes.
Step 7: Let It Simmer
Add enough water to cover the chicken, then bring it to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. If you’re using coconut, add it now and stir it in. The gravy will thicken, and the chicken will soak in all the coastal goodness.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked through and the curry is just the right consistency, turn off the heat. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. And just like that, your malvani chicken curry is ready to make everyone swoon.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Malvani Curry
- Patience with onions: Don’t rush the browning process. It gives the curry depth and richness.
- Adjust the spice level: Chicken malvani is known for its bold heat, but you can tone it down by using less red chilli powder.
- Coconut lovers rejoice: Adding roasted coconut elevates the curry to another level. It’s optional but highly recommended for an authentic taste.
- Fresh is best: Always use fresh chicken malvani masala powder for that unbeatable flavour. Store-bought works too, but grinding your own gives the curry a fresher punch.
Serving Suggestions
Malvani chicken curry is best served with hot steamed rice, but it’s equally amazing with bhakri (rice or jowar flatbread) or chapati. You could even pair it with jeera rice or a simple pulao for a fancier twist.
Feeling indulgent? Serve it with a side of fried fish or some crunchy papad on the side. The combination of this spicy curry with crispy papad is pure joy.
Why Malvani Chicken Curry Is Worth the Hype
This curry is no ordinary dish. It’s a sensory trip to the Konkan coast—warm spices, rich coconut, and that unbeatable earthy flavour. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make once you get the hang of it. You’ll be the hero of every dinner party!
What makes chicken malvani stand out is the mix of spices. The unique malvani chicken masala powder blends heat, tang, and a little sweetness, creating layers of flavour. It’s complex but comforting, the perfect kind of curry to enjoy on a cosy weekend or share with friends.
And trust me, once you’ve made this chicken malvani recipe, you’ll be hooked. You’ll find yourself reaching for that chicken malvani masala every time you want to jazz up your chicken dishes.
Final Thoughts
So, are you ready to bring the flavours of the Konkan coast to your kitchen? This malvani chicken curry recipe is simple, satisfying, and full of bold, irresistible flavours. Whether you’re a curry connoisseur or just someone who loves a good chicken dish, this chicken malvani recipe is a must-try.
Give it a go, and let me know how it turns out. And hey, don’t be shy to brag about your malvani chicken curry skills to your friends! Happy cooking!