The South African Chicken Curry recipe is a popular dish known for its rich and aromatic flavors. It comes originally from the southern region of India, where it is a staple in many households. This curry is well known there for its diverse range of spices and seasonings, each contributing to its distinct taste profile.
The South African Chicken Curry recipe combines a blend of spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and red chili powder. These spices not only enhance the flavor but also give the curry its vibrant and appetizing color. Additionally, the use of fresh curry leaves and mustard seeds adds a unique and earthy dimension to the dish.
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One key characteristic of South African Chicken Curry recipe is its use of coconut milk. This creamy and mildly sweet ingredient balances the spiciness of the curry, creating a harmonious and satisfying taste experience. It also provides a velvety texture that coats the tender chicken pieces, making every bite a delight.
The dish is often served with steamed rice or various types of bread, such as naan or dosa, making it a versatile and filling meal option. It’s a perfect choice for those who appreciate the rich culinary heritage of South India and enjoy a flavorful and aromatic dining experience.
How To Make Our South African Chicken Curry Recipe
Ingredients
6 chicken thighs
2 tbsp curry powder
2 tbsp flour
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp black pepper, powder
1/2 cup jam, apricot
2 tbsp vinegar
1 tbsp mustard
1 1/2 cup water
2 tbsp garlic, chopped
1 onion, sliced into rings
1 green pepper, diced
8 oz mushrooms, halved
3 tbsp vegetable oil
Prep Time: 15 Minutes (6 Servings)
Cooking Time: 60 Minutes
Instructions
1. To make the curry flour, combine curry powder, flour, brown sugar, and black pepper.
2. Stir together the apricot jam, vinegar, mustard, and water in a separate basin.
3. In a pan with a shallow rim, heat the oil. Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper.
4. Brown the chicken in the cooking oil. Put on a plate and put away temporarily.
5. Sauté onion in the same pan until translucent, then add the garlic and stir for an additional 30 seconds.The good brown bits left behind from the chicken add great flavor to the curry if you scrape them off.
6. After a few minutes of stirring, add the mushrooms and peppers.
7. Put the chicken thighs back into the pan, and sprinkle spice mixture over them.
8. Stir in the apricot preserves mixture and cook for a few more minutes. Cover and cook over low heat, checking and tossing periodically, until chicken is cooked through.
9. Serve it over a bed of rice
Pots, Pans and Cooking Equipment Needed for The South African Chicken Curry Recipe
Large saucepan or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or spatula
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing bowl
Serving platter or bowls
Best Way to Store Leftovers From The South African Chicken Curry Recipe
a. Transfer the South African Chicken Curry to an airtight container.
b. Seal the container tightly to prevent air from entering.
c. Store the container in the refrigerator.
d. Consume the leftovers within 2-3 days to maintain freshness.
e. Reheat in a microwave-safe dish or on the stovetop when serving again.
f. Ensure that the container is microwave-safe if using a microwave for reheating.
Top Ways to Make A Better South African Chicken Curry Recipe
Sauté onions and spices until fragrant for enhanced flavor.
Use boneless, skinless chicken pieces for quicker cooking.
Simmer the curry on low heat to allow flavors to meld.
Adjust the spiciness by adding or reducing chili powder.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving for a burst of freshness.
Consider marinating the chicken beforehand for more flavor.
Tips and Tricks For Easier Creation
Prepare all ingredients before starting to cook for efficiency.
Use a spice blend for convenience if available.
Substitute coconut milk for a creamier texture.
Add vegetables like potatoes or bell peppers for variety.
Make a larger batch and freeze for future meals.
Experiment with different spice levels to suit your taste.
Serve with naan or rice for a complete meal.
Side Dishes and Desserts For the The South African Chicken Curry Recipe
a. Fragrant Basmati Rice
b. Garlic Naan Bread
c. Cucumber Raita
d. Mango Chutney
e. Steamed Vegetables
f. Fresh Green Salad
How To Serve the South African Chicken Curry Recipe
a. Ladle the South African Chicken Curry onto plates or bowls.
b. Serve alongside your choice of side dishes.
c. Garnish with fresh cilantro or mint leaves if desired.
d. Offer lemon wedges for a citrusy twist.
e. Enjoy the meal with family and friends.
f. Share the cultural richness of this South African dish.
Dietary Substitution For The South African Chicken Curry Recipe
1. Vegan Options for the South African Chicken Curry Recipe:
a. Substitute chicken thighs with seitan or tofu.
b. Use a vegan-friendly curry powder.
c. Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar.
d. Opt for a plant-based black pepper substitute.
e. Replace honey or agave syrup for apricot jam.
2. Gluten-Free Options for the South African Chicken Curry Recipe:
a. Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch instead of regular flour.
b. Ensure the curry powder is gluten-free.
c. Replace wheat-based soy sauce with gluten-free tamari.
d. Choose a gluten-free mustard.
e. Verify the vinegar is gluten-free (most vinegars are).
3. Vegetarian Options for the South African Chicken Curry Recipe:
a. Substitute chicken thighs with meatless chicken alternatives.
b. Use a vegetarian curry powder blend.
c. Replace brown sugar with a vegetarian-friendly sweetener.
d. Opt for a vegetarian black pepper substitute.
e. Substitute apricot jam with a vegetarian fruit preserve.
4. Mediterranean Diet Options for the South African Chicken Curry Recipe:
a. Use skinless chicken thighs for a leaner option.
b. Use extra virgin olive oil instead of vegetable oil.
c. Add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes.
d. Serve the curry with whole-grain couscous or quinoa.
e. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or oregano.
5. Keto Diet Options for the South African Chicken Curry Recipe:
a. Use skin-on chicken thighs for added fat content.
b. Choose a low-carb curry powder.
c. Replace sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol.
d. Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of regular flour.
e. Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
6. Heart Healthy Diet Options for the South African Chicken Curry Recipe:
a. Use skinless chicken thighs to reduce saturated fat.
b. Opt for a low-sodium curry powder.
c. Replace sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia.
d. Use a heart-healthy oil like olive oil.
e. Serve with brown rice for added fiber.
7. Paleo Options for the South African Chicken Curry Recipe:
a. Use skin-on chicken thighs for added richness.
b. Choose a paleo-friendly curry powder.
c. Replace sugar with honey.
d. Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of regular flour.
e. Serve with cauliflower rice or sweet potato noodles.
8. Low Carb Options for the South African Chicken Curry Recipe:
a. Use skinless chicken thighs to reduce carbs.
b. Choose a low-carb curry powder.
c. Replace sugar with a low-carb sweetener like monk fruit.
d. Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of regular flour.
e. Serve with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini.
9. Whole 30 Options for the South African Chicken Curry Recipe:
a. Use skinless chicken thighs for compliance.
b. Choose a Whole30-compliant curry powder.
c. Replace sugar with date paste or apple sauce.
d. Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of regular flour.
e. Serve with cauliflower rice or butternut squash noodles.
10. Weight Watchers Options for the South African Chicken Curry Recipe:
a. Use skinless chicken thighs to reduce points.
b. Choose a low-point curry powder.
c. Use a sugar substitute to reduce points.
d. Use a minimal amount of oil for fewer points.
e. Serve with steamed vegetables for zero-point sides.
11. Low Fat Options for the South African Chicken Curry Recipe:
a. Use skinless, boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs.
b. Opt for a low-fat curry powder blend.
c. Use a sugar substitute to reduce fat content.
d. Cook with a minimal amount of oil or use a non-stick pan.
e. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables.
12. Vegetable Variations for the South African Chicken Curry Recipe:
a. Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version.
b. Use extra vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or sweet potatoes.
c. Replace mushrooms with broccoli or green beans.
d. Experiment with different types of peppers for variety.
e. Consider adding spinach or kale for added greens.
It’s always recommended to check labels, choose quality ingredients, and consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice. Please note that these substitutions are provided as options to align the recipe with various dietary preferences and restrictions. Always check labels and choose ingredients that fit your specific dietary needs. Consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice.
Final Thoughts
“We are a couple who has visited and sampled food in every country in the world. We strive to get a local recipe for every dish we place on our blog. Some we have cooked in our kitchen, but most we enjoyed in the restaurants and streets of the world. Our thoughts and opinions are based on the food we loved the most, and you may find them and others you will fall in love with as well. Please enjoy the recipe and comment below.”
South African Chicken Curry is a dish that reflects the diverse heritage of South Africa. It’s a fusion of indigenous African ingredients and Indian influences, with a rich history dating back to the 19th century when Indian immigrants introduced their spices to the region.
This curry combines tender chicken pieces with a fragrant sauce made from an array of spices, including curry powder, garlic, and black pepper. The sauce also features sweet and tangy elements like apricot jam and vinegar, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
Served with rice or bread, South African Chicken Curry is a popular dish in South African culture. It’s often enjoyed during family gatherings and special occasions, symbolizing unity and the nation’s diverse heritage.
South African Chicken Curry Recipe
Equipment
- Large saucepan or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Serving platter or bowls
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp black pepper powder
- 1/2 cup jam apricot
- 2 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp garlic chopped
- 1 onion sliced into rings
- 1 green pepper diced
- 8 oz mushrooms halved
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- To make the curry flour, combine curry powder, flour, brown sugar, and black pepper.
- Stir together the apricot jam, vinegar, mustard, and water in a separate basin.
- In a pan with a shallow rim, heat the oil. Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper and then
- Brown the chicken in the cooking oil. Put on a plate and put away temporarily.
- Sauté onion in the same pan until translucent, then add the garlic and stir for an additional 30 seconds.The good brown bits left behind from the chicken add great flavor to the curry if you scrape them off.
- After a few minutes of stirring, add the mushrooms and peppers.
- Put the chicken thighs back into the pan, and sprinkle spice mixture over them.
- Stir in the apricot preserves mixture and cook for a few more minutes. Cover and cook over low heat, checking and tossing periodically, until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve it over a bed of rice
