RecipesMauritiusChicken and Okra Curry Mauricien

Chicken and Okra Curry Mauricien

A flavorful and tender chicken curry featuring the unique texture of okra, simmered in a rich Mauritian spice blend.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Servings4
DifficultyMedium
Chicken and Okra Curry Mauricien - Mauritius traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 600 g Chicken thighs(boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
  • 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
  • 1 inch piece Ginger(minced)
  • 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
  • 1 tsp Turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp Ground cumin
  • 1 tsp Ground coriander
  • 1 tsp Garam masala
  • 0.5 tsp Chili powder(adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
  • 2 cups Okra(fresh, sliced into 1-inch pieces)
  • 1 can (400g) Chickpeas(drained and rinsed)
  • 0.5 cup Coconut milk
  • 0.5 cup Water or chicken stock
  • 1 tsp Salt(to taste)
  • 0.25 cup Fresh coriander(for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges(for serving)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

    ⏱️ 5 minutes
  2. 2

    Add the minced garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

    ⏱️ 1 minute
  3. 3

    Stir in the chopped tomatoes, turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, chili powder, and cinnamon. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down and the spices are fragrant.

    ⏱️ 5 minutes
  4. 4

    Add the chicken pieces to the pan and stir to coat them in the spices. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the chicken is browned on all sides.

    ⏱️ 5 minutes
  5. 5

    Add the sliced okra, drained chickpeas, coconut milk, and water or chicken stock to the pan. Stir well to combine.

    💡 Tip: Ensure okra is fresh and sliced evenly for consistent cooking.
  6. 6

    Bring the curry to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, and the okra is soft.

    ⏱️ 25 minutes
  7. 7

    Season with salt to taste. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with lemon wedges.

    💡 Tip: Serve hot with steamed rice or flatbreads.

💡 Pro Tips

  • To reduce sliminess from okra, you can lightly sauté it separately before adding to the curry, or add a splash of lemon juice.
  • Adjust chili powder for desired heat level.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked through but not dry.

🔄 Variations

  • Add a diced potato or sweet potato for a heartier curry.
  • For a richer flavor, use full-fat coconut milk.

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