30 Minute Madras Curry: A Spicy Delight

Introduction

TradeFxP's Kitchen offers a culinary adventure through the vibrant flavours of Indian cuisine, featuring restaurant-style curries. The blog post introduces the Madras curry, a delectable dish with a delightful array of spices and a gentle touch of heat. The recipe is perfect for families and can be prepared in just 30 minutes. Join the adventure and discover the true essence of Indian gastronomy at TradeFxP's Kitchen.

Ingredients:

1. Chicken thigh (cut into pieces): 1 kilo

2. Vegetable oil: 150 ml

3. Mixed powder or mild Madras curry powder: 2.5 tablespoons

4. Tandoori Masala Powder: 1/2 tablespoon

5. Kashmiri red chilli powder: 1 teaspoon

6. Extra-hot chilli powder: 1 tablespoon

7. Kasori methi (fenugreek leaves): 2 teaspoons

8. Cinnamon stick: 1 small piece

9. Cardamom pods (cracked): 4

10. Salt: to taste

11. Lemon: 1 (juiced)

12. Tomato (chopped): 1

13. Cereal tomato puree: 6 tablespoons

14. Worcestershire sauce: A splash (optional)

15. Mango chutney or sugar: 1 tablespoon (optional)

16. Onions (microwaved for 4-5 minutes): as required

17. Garam masala: A generous pinch

18. Fresh coriander (chopped): A handful

19. Water: 500 ml

Preparation Steps:

1. Heat Oil and Spices: In a pan, heat the vegetable oil. Add mixed powder or Madras curry powder, Tandoori Masala, Kashmiri red chilli, extra hot chilli powder, Kasori methi, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods. Season with salt and lemon juice.

2. Add Tomato: Incorporate one chopped tomato and tomato puree. Cook for 10 minutes.

3. Prepare the chicken. Season chicken thigh pieces with salt and coat with the spice mixture.

4. Cook Onions: In another pan, heat oil and add the microwaved onions. Cook until brown.

5. Combine Chicken and Onion: Add the chicken to the onions. Cook together, adding water gradually.

6. Simmer: Let the curry simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Adjust the spices to taste.

7. Final Touches: Add garam masala, Worcestershire sauce, and mango chutney or sugar. Stir in fresh coriander.

8. Serve: Serve the curry hot, ideally with mushroom and garlic rice.

Mushroom and garlic rice:

1. Sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms in oil.

2. Add pre-cooked rice and desired spices.

3. Cook until heated through.

4. Garnish with fresh coriander.

FAQs:

1. Chicken Breast Alternative: Chicken breast can be used instead of thigh, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder for desired heat.

3. Cooking Time: While 30 minutes is ideal, extend the cooking time if needed for better flavor development.

4. Advance Preparation: The curry can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

The Perfect Blend of Spices

To achieve the true and genuine flavour of a Madras curry, we shall employ a delightful blend of various aromatic spices. Begin by gently warming 150 millilitres of delightful vegetable oil in a charming pan. This oil is absolutely necessary to make the flavours of the curry sauce even more delightful. Now, gently incorporate 2.5 tablespoons of a delightful mixture known as mixed powder or mild Madras curry powder. This exquisite blend encompasses the harmonious flavours of cumin, coriander, chilli, paprika, and coriander powder. To infuse a touch of smoky flavour, simply incorporate half a tablespoon of delightful Tandoori masala powder. To give your dish a gentle warmth, sprinkle in a teaspoon of delightful Kashmiri red chilli powder and a tablespoon of fiery extra-hot chilli powder.

Please modify the temperature to your liking. Please remember to include two teaspoons of kasori methi, a tiny piece of cinnamon stick, and four cracked cardamom pods to enhance the richness of the taste. Enhance the flavours by sprinkling a pinch of salt and adding a delightful squeeze of lemon to create a refreshing and tangy sensation. In the end, gently incorporate a single diced tomato and six tablespoons of tomato puree made from crushed cereal to concoct a sauce that is both opulent and full-bodied. Combine all the delightful ingredients in perfect harmony and allow them to dance together in a culinary symphony for a mere 10 minutes. This enchanting process will ensure that the flavours intertwine and create a magical fusion of taste.

Choosing the Right Meat

To create the delightful Madras curry, we suggest utilising a generous amount of one kilogramme of succulent chicken thigh. The chicken thigh is absolutely ideal for this delightful recipe, as it cooks to perfection in a mere 30 minutes. The succulent and tender thighs enhance the curry with a delightful richness, creating a truly flavorful experience. But if you fancy chicken breast, just remember to tweak the cooking time accordingly to avoid it becoming dry. For an even more delightful taste, you may want to consider including a gentle drizzle of Worcestershire sauce and a spoonful of mango chutney or sugar to harmonise the tanginess of the tomatoes.

The Art of Cooking Onions

Before moving forward with the remaining steps of the recipe, it is of utmost importance to ensure that the onions are cooked to perfection. Place the onions in the microwave and let them bask in their warm embrace for a delightful duration of 4 to 5 minutes. This gentle act shall grant them a splendid advantage, propelling them forward in their journey towards culinary perfection. This particular step holds great importance, as the onions serve as the foundation of the curry and possess the power to either enhance or ruin the entire dish. When onions are cooked, they bring a sense of depth and richness to the gravy, creating a curry that bursts with delicious flavours.

Bringing It All Together

Now is the moment to unite all the components. Begin by gently warming the oil and gracefully introducing the fragrant cinnamon stick and delightful cardamom pods. Once a brief moment has passed, introduce the cooked onions into the mix and allow them to simmer for a delightful span of 10 minutes, until they transform into a lovely shade of brown. Lower the temperature and incorporate the delightful spice paste, which is crafted from a blend of mixed powder, Kashmiri chilli powder, Tandoori Masala powder, and tomato paste. Take the delightful chicken thighs and generously apply the luscious paste all over them.

Then, pour in a splendid 500 mL of water. Gently melt the paste and allow it to gently simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the delightful flavours to fully blossom and enhance. Enhance the curry's flavours by gently sprinkling a bountiful pinch of aromatic garam masala, a delightful dash of Worcester sauce, and a handful of freshly chopped coriander. Continue cooking for an extra 10 minutes to guarantee that the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the flavours have melded together beautifully.

Accompanying Rice

Every curry dish is simply incomplete without a delightful accompaniment of rice. For an exquisite touch, consider preparing a delightful blend of mushroom and garlic rice to complement your delectable Madras curry. Take a pan and add some oil. Then, gently cook the onions, garlic, mushrooms, and spices together until the mushrooms are perfectly cooked according to your preference. Simply incorporate pre-cooked rice and gently mix until it becomes warm. Finish it off with a sprinkle of fragrant coriander to add a delightful touch of invigorating freshness. This rice perfectly enhances the fiery and zesty flavours of the curry, resulting in a truly delightful and harmonious fusion.

FAQ

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thigh?

Absolutely! You have the delightful option of incorporating chicken breast into this splendid recipe. Nevertheless, it is of utmost importance to carefully modify the duration of the cooking process to avoid the undesirable outcome of excessive dryness. I kindly suggest incorporating the delightful chicken breast into the culinary masterpiece at a more opportune moment, allowing it to be cooked to perfection for a duration of approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

2. How spicy is the Madras curry?

You have the power to customise the spiciness of the Madras curry to suit your personal taste. The delightful recipe suggests the inclusion of extra-hot chilli powder, but if you desire a more gentle experience, you may choose milder alternatives. Do keep in mind that even a gentle Madras curry is brimming with delightful flavours.

3. Can I make the curry in less than 30 minutes?

This delightful recipe has been thoughtfully crafted to be effortlessly prepared within a mere half hour. However, do not become overly preoccupied over time. If you believe that the curry requires further time to enhance its flavours, you are welcome to continue cooking it for an additional 10–15 minutes. The secret lies in attaining the desired result and relishing a delectable curry.

4. Can I make the curry in advance?

Although the optimal way to savour the curry is by consuming it immediately after preparation, it is indeed possible to prepare it beforehand and warm it up later as required. Keep it in a sealed container in the fridge for a maximum of three days. Simply warm it up on the stove or in the microwave until it is delightfully hot.

Conclusion

Behold! I present to you a delectable Madras curry, prepared in a mere 30 minutes, that will surely delight and excite your senses. This curry is a delightful dish, made with a perfect combination of aromatic spices, succulent chicken, and a side of flavorful rice. If you have a fondness for curry or simply desire to explore new flavours, this recipe is an absolute must-try. Now, seize your splendid ingredients, don your delightful apron, and let us embark on a culinary adventure!