The South African Durban Chicken Curry recipe is a popular dish that hails from the city of Durban, located on the eastern coast of South Africa. This dish is known for its rich history and cultural significance in the region.
This curry is best known for its distinctive blend of spices and aromatic flavors, which are a testament to the diverse culinary influences in South Africa. It is a dish that reflects the country’s multicultural heritage, with Indian, African, and British culinary traditions all contributing to its unique taste.
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The South African Durban Chicken Curry recipe is often characterized by its bold and robust flavors, featuring a combination of spices that provide a satisfying taste. The dish is known for its moderate to high level of spiciness, which can vary depending on personal preferences.
The South African Durban Chicken Curry recipe is typically served with rice, which helps balance the spiciness and complements the rich flavors. It’s a dish that’s enjoyed by people of all backgrounds in South Africa and beyond, making it a true representation of the country’s culinary diversity.
How To Make Our South African Durban Chicken Curry Recipe
Ingredients
Spice Rub
2 tbsp curry powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp coarse salt
1 tsp black pepper
Curry
8 chicken thighs, bone-in skin on
0live oil
2 large onions
2 cloves garlic
28 oz tomatoes, canned
2 cups water
¼ cup vinegar
4 bay leaves
3 tbsp apricot jam
Prep Time: 20 Minutes (4 Servings)
Cooking Time: 40 Minutes
Instructions
1. Combine all of the components for the rub in a basin. Apply the rub to the chicken thighs and massage them with your fingers to ensure that it is uniformly coated on all sides.
2. In a large skillet or heavy saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Chicken should be added in stages to prevent overcrowding. For 3 to 4 minutes, sear the quadriceps on both sides, or until golden brown. After removing the poultry, reserve it.
3. While slicing the onions to a thickness of 1/4 inch, mince the garlic cloves.
4. Cook the sliced garlic and onions in the same pot over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes, or until golden and caramelized.
5. Mix the canned tomatoes, water, vinegar, bay leaves, and apricot jam in a basin.
6. Reintroduce the chicken to the skillet, atop the scallions. Proceed to drizzle the tomato mixture with the liquid. Simmer without cover for eighty minutes.
7. Rice and sambals (tomato-cucumber salad and sliced bananas) should be served alongside.
Pots, Pans and Cooking Equipment Needed for The South African Durban Chicken Curry Recipe
Large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or spatula
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing bowls
Serving platter or bowls
Top Ways to Make A Better South African Durban Chicken Curry Recipe
a. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
b. Use a container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent moisture loss.
c. Ensure the curry is completely cooled before storing.
d. Separate leftovers into smaller portions for easier reheating.
e. Label the container with the date for tracking freshness.
f. Consume within 2-3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Top Ways to Make A Better South African Durban Chicken Curry Recipe
Use boneless, skinless chicken for quicker preparation.
Pre-cut vegetables to save time.
Toast spices briefly to enhance flavor.
Adjust chili heat to your preference for spiciness.
Simmer covered for tender chicken.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Serve with fresh coriander for added freshness.
Tips and Tricks For Easier Creation
Create a spice blend in advance for convenience.
Marinate chicken for deeper flavor.
Use fresh tomatoes for a vibrant sauce.
Experiment with different chili varieties.
Prepare ingredients in advance for efficiency.
Garnish with a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Customize the level of heat to suit your taste.
Side Dishes and Desserts For the The South African Durban Chicken Curry Recipe
a. Fragrant Basmati rice
b. Naan bread or roti
c. Sambal or chutney for extra flavor
d. Fresh cucumber and yogurt salad (Raita)
e. Spiced vegetable couscous
f. Pickled mango or lime pickle
g. Steamed greens or sautéed spinach
How To Serve the South African Durban Chicken Curry Recipe
a. Ladle the curry into bowls or onto plates.
b. Serve hot alongside your choice of side dishes.
c. Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped herbs.
d. Provide lemon wedges for a citrusy touch.
e. Enjoy family-style or individually plated.
f. Offer extra condiments like sambal if desired.
Dietary Substitution For The South African Durban Chicken Curry Recipe
1. Vegan Options for the South African Durban Chicken Curry Recipe:
a. Substitute chicken thighs with plant-based chicken alternatives like seitan or tofu.
b. Use olive oil or coconut oil for frying instead of skin-on chicken.
c. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
d. Opt for vegan apricot jam without added sugar.
e. Confirm that the spices and curry powder are vegan-certified.
2. Gluten-Free Options for the South African Durban Chicken Curry Recipe:
a. Use gluten-free curry powder and spices.
b. Substitute chicken thighs with gluten-free chicken pieces or tofu.
c. Ensure that the canned tomatoes and apricot jam are gluten-free.
d. Use gluten-free vinegar.
e. Confirm that the chicken broth is gluten-free.
3. Vegetarian Options for the South African Durban Chicken Curry Recipe:
a. Keep the original spices and curry powder.
b. Substitute chicken thighs with plant-based chicken alternatives or paneer.
c. Use olive oil or coconut oil for frying instead of skin-on chicken.
d. Ensure the apricot jam is vegetarian-friendly.
e. Confirm that the spices and curry powder are pure without any additives.
4. Mediterranean Diet Options for the South African Durban Chicken Curry Recipe:
a. Use extra virgin olive oil for frying.
b. Keep the original spices and curry powder.
c. Substitute chicken thighs with skinless, boneless chicken breasts.
d. Ensure the canned tomatoes are unsweetened and without additives.
e. Serve with whole-grain couscous or quinoa for a Mediterranean touch.
5. Keto Diet Options for the South African Durban Chicken Curry Recipe:
a. Use keto-friendly curry powder and spices.
b. Substitute chicken thighs with bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts.
c. Use olive oil or coconut oil for frying.
d. Opt for a sugar-free apricot jam.
e. Adjust portion sizes to fit keto macros.
6. Heart Healthy Diet Options for the South African Durban Chicken Curry Recipe:
a. Use olive oil for frying instead of skin-on chicken.
b. Keep the original spices and curry powder.
c. Substitute chicken thighs with skinless, boneless chicken breasts.
d. Ensure the canned tomatoes are low-sodium.
e. Use a reduced-sugar or sugar-free apricot jam.
7. Paleo Options for the South African Durban Chicken Curry Recipe:
a. Keep the original spices and curry powder.
b. Use coconut oil for frying instead of skin-on chicken.
c. Substitute chicken thighs with bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts.
d. Opt for apricot jam without added sugar.
e. Confirm that the spices and curry powder are paleo-compliant.
8. Low Carb Options for the South African Durban Chicken Curry Recipe:
a. Use low-carb curry powder and spices.
b. Substitute chicken thighs with bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts.
c. Use olive oil or coconut oil for frying.
d. Choose a sugar-free apricot jam.
e. Adjust portion sizes to fit low-carb macros.
9. Whole 30 Options for the South African Durban Chicken Curry Recipe:
a. Keep the original spices and curry powder.
b. Substitute chicken thighs with bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts.
c. Use olive oil or coconut oil for frying.
d. Opt for apricot jam without added sugar.
e. Confirm that the spices and curry powder are Whole30-compliant.
10. Weight Watchers Options for the South African Durban Chicken Curry Recipe:
a. Adjust portion sizes to fit Weight Watchers points.
b. Substitute chicken thighs with skinless, boneless chicken breasts.
c. Use olive oil or coconut oil for frying.
d. Choose a reduced-sugar or sugar-free apricot jam.
e. Confirm that the spices and curry powder align with Weight Watchers guidelines.
11. Low Fat Options for the South African Durban Chicken Curry Recipe:
a. Use skinless, boneless chicken breasts.
b. Keep the original spices and curry powder.
c. Use a non-stick cooking spray instead of olive oil.
d. Choose a reduced-sugar or sugar-free apricot jam.
e. Confirm that the spices and curry powder are free from added fats.
12. Vegetable Variations for the South African Durban Chicken Curry Recipe:
a. Replace chicken thighs with chickpeas or lentils for a vegetarian version.
b. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
c. Add diced bell peppers, carrots, or spinach for extra vegetables.
d. Ensure that the canned tomatoes are free from meat-based additives.
e. Confirm that the spices and curry powder are suitable for vegetable-based dishes.
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
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 South African Durban Chicken Curry Recipe and comment below.”
The South African Durban Chicken Curry recipe offers a flavorful and aromatic experience with a blend of spices and tender chicken. This dish showcases the rich culinary heritage of Durban, known for its vibrant and diverse cuisine. While we don’t delve into the specifics of its preparation, the recipe combines a variety of spices, bone-in chicken thighs, tomatoes, and apricot jam, resulting in a unique curry that’s beloved by many.
The South African Durban Chicken Curry recipe is a delightful representation of South African culinary traditions, with influences from Indian and African cuisines. It’s a dish that captures the essence of Durban’s vibrant food culture and is sure to transport your taste buds to this beautiful part of the world. Enjoy exploring this recipe and the wonderful flavors it brings to your table.
South African Durban Chicken Curry Recipe
Equipment
- Large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Serving platter or bowls
Ingredients
Spice Rub
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp coarse salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Curry
- 8 chicken thighs bone-in skin on
- live oil
- 2 large onions
- 2 cloves garlic
- 28 oz tomatoes canned
- 2 cups water
- ¼ cup vinegar
- 4 bay leaves
- 3 tbsp apricot jam
Instructions
- Combine all of the components for the rub in a basin. Apply the rub to the chicken thighs and massage them with your fingers to ensure that it is uniformly coated on all sides.
- In a large skillet or heavy saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Chicken should be added in stages to prevent overcrowding. For 3 to 4 minutes, sear the quadriceps on both sides, or until golden brown. After removing the poultry, reserve it.
- While slicing the onions to a thickness of 1/4 inch, mince the garlic cloves.
- Cook the sliced garlic and onions in the same pot over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes, or until golden and caramelized.
- Mix the canned tomatoes, water, vinegar, bay leaves, and apricot jam in a basin.
- Reintroduce the chicken to the skillet, atop the scallions. Proceed to drizzle the tomato mixture with the liquid. Simmer without cover for eighty minutes.
- Rice and sambals (tomato-cucumber salad and sliced bananas) should be served alongside.
