Chicken Curry (Kukul Mas)
Chicken Curry (Kukul Mas)
A mainstay of Sri Lankan cuisine, this dish was the first curry I learned to make. Like any curry, its flavor is greatly enhanced the longer it has been marinating prior to cooking, and it tastes even better the next day. I use thighs with the bone in when I make this dish as breast meat tends to dry out.
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Servings
6
servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole fryer chicken, cut into parts
- 3 tablespoon roasted curry powder*
- 1-2 teaspoon cayenne powder
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoon oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced
- one 2-inch piece ginger, chopped
- 1 sprig of curry leaves
- one 2-inch stalk lemongrass
- 3 cardamom pods
- 3 cloves
- one 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 1 cup coconut milk
- salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Directions
- Wash and clean the chicken, removing most fat and split the thighs, breasts, and legs. Place the chicken in bowl with the curry powder, cayenne, and vinegar. Mix well with hands and set aside for at least 30 minutes. NOTE: Marinate the chicken overnight for optimum results.
- In a large pot, heat the oil. Once hot, add the onions, garlic, ginger, curry leaves, lemongrass, cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Fry until the onions are golden brown.
- Add chicken pieces one by one, stirring occasionally until chicken is browned.
- Add a little water to the bowl that contained the chicken and slosh around to catch any remaining marinade and add to pot. Cover and cook on medium heat for 20 minutes.
- Stir in the coconut milk and some salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for an additional 15 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and simmer for additional 2 minutes.