Chicken Kurma Recipe With Homemade Masala For A Flavourful Fiesta

A popular South Indian dish, chicken kurma is an absolute delight to have! A classic dish of curried chicken, kurma chicken is prepared with whole spices, ground spices, herbs, poppy seeds and  coconut. Chicken kurma recipe is beautifully balanced, simple and mildly spiced. Chicken kurma is widely prepared across households, and each recipe has slight variations depending on the region that the chicken kurma recipe originates from. While kurma chicken is a popular dish in Indian restaurants, you can prepare chicken kurma South Indian style at home quite simply, and with an equally delicious taste as chicken kurma restaurant style. The aroma from the chicken kurma masala, and tender, juicy pieces of chicken, chicken kurma Indian style will leave you craving for more each time. Here’s an easy and hassle free recipe for you to prepare chicken kurma south Indian style at home.

Chicken ingredients

Ingredients to prepare chicken kurma masala paste:

1. 100 grams freshly shredded coconut
2. 2 tsp roasted bengal gram dal
3. 1 tsp poppy seeds
4. 2 tsp fennel seeds
5. 5 cashews
6. 1 inch ginger
7. 10 garlic cloves
8. 12 green chillies
9. 2 tsp peanut oil

Other ingredients:

1. 500 grams chicken
2. 2 onions, finely chopped
3. 3 tomatoes, finely chopped
4. 1 bay leaf
5. 5-6 sprigs of coriander leaves
6. 2 pieces of cinnamon
7. 2 tsp peanut oil
8. 1 and ½ tsp salt

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Steps to prepare chicken kurma recipe

1. In a large pan, add 2 tbsp of oil, and then add the chicken kurma masala. Fry the masala till the coconut turns brown, and the mixture starts giving out an aroma. 
2. Once the chicken kurma masala has been cooked, remove the pan from heat and let the masala cool. 
3. Once the masala has cooled down, in a blender add 2 cups of water along with the chicken kurma masala and grind it. Once done, set it aside.
4. Heat oil in a pan, and to it add the bay leaf and cinnamon. 
5. Thereafter add the onions, and fry till the onions turn golden and soft.
6. Add the chicken pieces and fry for approximately 2 minutes. 
7. Add the tomatoes and the chicken kurma masala to the chicken, along with salt and one cup of water. 
8. Cover the pan, and let the chicken cook for at least half an hour. 
9. Once cooked, garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.

Pro tip: Stir the chicken every 2 minutes to avoid scorching at the bottom of the pan. 

FAQ

Are Korma and Kurma the same? 
No, Korma and Kurma are not the same. Korma is a dish originating from Mughal cuisine with a rich gravy, and has yoghurt as the main ingredient, whereas coconut is the main ingredient in Kurma. Moreover both the dishes have very different preparation methods and techniques, and taste different as well.