Malvani Chicken Curry

Malvan is a small region on the shoreline spread on the west coast of of Maharashtra with the mountains conjuring up in a distance, as you wind down the Sayadhari ghats. This less known place conceals so much beauty and serenity that lures everyone to it. Malvan is one priceless jewel complete with live coral reefs and unexplored beaches. The cuisine of this region is popularly known as Malvani cuisine. The true taste of Malvani cuisine is very distinctive. A superfluous use of a local fruit Kokum (Garcinia), chillies and coconut marks the deep colored gravy and bright fish curries. Although Malvani cuisine is predominantly hot, spicy and non-vegetarian, there are many vegetarian delicacies.
This is my humble attempt to recreate Malvani Chicken Curry. The recipe is made in 2 steps – first making the Malvani masala and then making the spicy curry. I have listed ingredients and method in the order of it’s making. As always this was super fun to make and a firecracker on the plate. We totally completely enjoyed relishing this with Malvani Vade โ deep fried puffed bread made from rice flour. It is traditionally served with it and thus called โKombdi (Chicken)Vadeโ. I will cover the procedure for the Vade is another post. For now savour the Chicken Curry โ The Malvani way! ๐
INGREDIENTS:
For Malvani Masala:
8-10 Kashmiri red chillies
2 tsp whole coriander seeds
4-5 cloves
1/2 tsp peppercorns
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp black cumin seeds
4-5 green cardamoms
2-3 black cardamoms
1 tbsp poppy seeds
1/2 cup dry coconut, grated
METHOD:
To prepare Malvani Masala
- In a pan dry roast all the ingredients mentioned above.
- Be extremely careful and keep stirring while roasting the spices so you donโt burn them.
- Roast till the grated dry coconut changes to a beautiful brown.
- Once roasted set them aside to cool.
- Once at room temperature, grind to a fine powder. Do not add any water to this.
- This recipe will make more masala than you require for the curry so you can store in an air tight jar and refrigerate until your next use.
INGREDIENTS:
For the gravy:
ยฝ kg chicken, on the bone and cut into small pieces
ยฝ cup coconut, fresh and grated
1 tsp cumin seeds
ยฝ cup coriander leaves
2 onions, large chopped
ยฝ tsp turmeric powder
1 tblsp roasted coriander seeds
2-3 green chillies
3 garlic pods
2 tbsp ginger paste
2 tbsp garlic paste
3 tbsp malwani masala
2 tbsp oil
Salt to taste
Water, as needed
METHOD:
To prepare the Gravy
- In a pan roast the grated fresh coconut and whole red chillies.
- Grind this roasted mixture with the garlic pods, cumin seeds, roasted coriander seeds, green chillies, chopped coriander and water.
- Add Malwani masala and grind it again into a coarse masala paste.
- In medium saucepan heat oil, add ginger and garlic paste, chopped onions and cook for a while.
- When the onions turn translucent, add turmeric and cook for few minutes.
- Add the freshly ground masala paste to the onions.
- Sautรฉ this mixture of onions and masala paste until the oil oozes out.
- Add the cut chicken pieces and mix until the chicken pieces are well coated with the masala.
- Cover and cook on a medium flame till the chicken is cooked right through approx. 15-20 minutes.
- Add water as needed to make the gravy of your desired consistency.
- Let it come to boil for 5 minutes
- Serve and enjoy hot with Malvani vade or roti / rice! It tastes delicious with sides like sliced raw onions and lemon wedges.

Hope you enjoy making this recipe.
Have a lovely week ahead and remember to visit and subscribe to my Facebook Page:ย My Culinary Sagaย to get regular yummy updates.
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Love & Hugs,
Trupti
Wonderful job-Trupti-just great my friend. X
Thanks so much darling!
xx
This looks delicious! I don’t know if I could handle the heat but I would sure try ๐ I love your description and information too about the dish and region!
hahaa.. true but worth trying. the flavours are so delicious ! ๐
I would definitely try it! Might not get very far but I would try ๐
I am always amazed by the variety and flavours of chicken curry. This one looks superb, and your description of Malvan and its cuisine is so interesting. I love to learn more about the world through recipes!
So true.. there is so much more to learn and experience. this is just a drop in the ocean. But I thoroughly enjoyed this as well. Thanks Hilda.
Looks flavorsome Trupti…
thanks a bunch Chitra :*
The color looks amazing Trupti! Great job and I love the background information!
Thank you Antonia ๐
Looks delicious
Hey Ritu, thanks so much!
Love the color! So delicious!
Thank you dear ๐
Reblogged this on MAXIMUSOPTIMUSDOMINUS.
thank you Joe! Happy Weekend!
You’re so welcome T ๐ โค๏ธ
Very nice Trupti!
Thank you Lynn ๐
๐
Hey Thanks for the like over on The Bearded Blog I’ve been flicking through some of your recipes and they look amazing! I’m going to give one of the curries a go next week.
Cheers Lewis ๐
Hey thanks Lewis ๐ I’m sure you will love it! Will wait to hear from you ๐ have a nice weekend !
You too! I think I’m going to try the Buttered Chicken
Superb choice ๐
This is beautiful Trupti, and you know how much I love curry. Can’t wait to make this. My hubby is going to be so happy !
Trupti, I have nominated you for the Infinity Dreams Award. I would love it if you accepted. Please check out the details on my blog, https://lynnesrecipetrails.com/ Thanks a ton, and have a great weekend. x
Looks fab, great work!
I’m quite taken with the spices in the masala, and the colour is just so gorgeous Trupti! What a vibrant curry, especially with the “firecracker” taste ๐ (And oh my–the fried breads look so light and puffy!)
I love any chicken curry and this looks so good!!!
Thank you dear ๐
So sorry for the late comment Trupti..I was a bit held up! I loved your introduction to this post…so beautifully said! I’ve only made Malvani fish before but after this post I’m gonna make this right away๐ you are a very dedicated and talented cook Trupti! Thanks for your active participation in my challenges. It’s always been a pleasure having you as a part๐ hope your health is doing better now! Great pics btw!
We are much better Lina ๐ thank you so much! Glad you liked the dish – it’s so yummy and fiery! I love every bit of your challenges ๐
I am so very glad
Malvan sounds beautiful and this dish looks amazing!
Thank you so much ๐
Trupti,
Beautiful description of Malvan and the cuisine. Your photos are mouthwatering! I liked your detailed recipe and step by step instructions too
Thanks a bunch Sandhya!! Means a lot ๐
This sounds very delicious Trupti ๐
thank you so much Irene!
The color of the curry looks so delicious and yummy which makes it a must try recipe
Thank you so much Alka! so nice that you stopped by here… ๐
Oh my what a beautiful rich color!! Why you gotta make me sooo hungry Trupti?? hahaha ๐ Loving your recipe.
Thanks so much darling ๐
Your curry is beautiful! And the spices! Love the poppy seeds, delicious! ๐
Thank you so much dear ๐
Looks very appetisin!!
thank you so much Sumith
What a lovely colour.Yummy.
๐๐thanks Anu!
My pleasure.
Wow. Does this look good?!! And I even have Kashmiri peppers! Can’t wait to make this dish!
Thank you ๐ looking forward to seeing your version..