Sri Lankan Chicken Curry
Traditional
A fragrant and flavorful Sri Lankan chicken curry, rich with coconut milk, spices, and a hint of tamarind for a tangy depth. This is a classic comfort food dish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken(cut into medium pieces)
- 400 ml Coconut milk(thick)
- 200 ml Coconut milk(thin)
- 2 medium Onions(sliced)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 1 inch Ginger(grated)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 medium Green chilies(slit lengthwise)
- 10 sprigs Curry leaves
- 1 inch Cinnamon stick
- 3 pods Cardamom pods
- 3 pieces Cloves
- 2 tbsp Roasted curry powder
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Chili powder(or to taste)
- 1 tbsp Tamarind paste(diluted in 2 tbsp water)
- to taste Salt
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and curry leaves. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 2
Add sliced onions and sauté until softened and lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add chopped tomatoes and green chilies. Cook until tomatoes soften, about 3-4 minutes.
- 5
Add roasted curry powder, turmeric powder, and chili powder. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom.
- 6
Add the chicken pieces and salt. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the spice mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes, searing the chicken lightly.
- 7
Pour in the thin coconut milk. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is partially cooked.
- 8
Add the thick coconut milk and the diluted tamarind paste. Stir well. Bring back to a gentle simmer, but do not boil vigorously.
- 9
Cover and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the curry has thickened to your desired consistency.
- 10
Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve hot with rice or roti.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use freshly grated coconut and extract your own coconut milk.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili powder and green chilies to your spice preference.
- ✓Don't boil the curry vigorously after adding the thick coconut milk, as it can curdle.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a tablespoon of crushed roasted rice powder (thicken the curry and add a nutty flavor).
- Include a few pieces of goraka (Garcinia cambogia) for a more authentic sourness.
- Add vegetables like potatoes or carrots along with the chicken.