Maldivian Chicken Curry (Kukulhu Riha)
Kukulhu Riha, a fragrant and flavorful Maldivian chicken curry, is a culinary delight that showcases the aromatic spices and rich coconut milk characteristic of Maldivian cuisine. It is a heartwarming dish often enjoyed with fresh roti or chapati, making it a perfect choice for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
🍗 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
🧅 1 cup sliced onions, approximately 1 large onion
🧈 4 tablespoons ghee
🫚 1 tablespoon ginger paste
🧄 1 tablespoon garlic paste
🧂 1 teaspoon salt, initial addition and adjust as necessary
🍃 A small bunch of curry leaves, approximately 10-15 leaves
🍈 1 piece pandan leaf, cut or torn
🌶️ 2 tablespoons dried chili flakes
⚫ 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
🌿 1 teaspoon cloves
🌿 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
🌿 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
🌿 5-7 cardamom pods
🌿 3 cinnamon sticks
💧 1 cup water
🥥 1 cup coconut milk
🥄 1 cup chicken curry powder
Instructions
1- Prepare the Base:
- Place the i-COOK portable gas stove on medium heat and add 4 tablespoons of ghee to the cooking pot.
- Allow the ghee to melt completely.
2- Sauté the Onions:
- Add 1 cup of sliced onions to the pot.
- Sauté until they become translucent and lightly browned.
3- Add Aromatics:
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of ginger paste and 1 tablespoon of garlic paste.
- Sauté for a minute until the mixture is fragrant.
4- Season:
- Add 1 teaspoon of salt, curry leaves, and pandan leaf.
- Stir well to combine.
5- Incorporate Spices:
- Add 2 tablespoons of dried chili flakes.
- Follow with black peppercorns, cloves, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, cardamom pods, and cinnamon sticks.
- Mix thoroughly to unite the spices with the onions.
6- Create the Sauce Base:
- Pour in 1 cup of water and 1 cup of chicken curry powder.
- Stir until the curry powder dissolves into the liquid, forming a sauce.
7- Simmer with Chicken:
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then add the chicken pieces.
- Stir to ensure the chicken is coated with the sauce.
8- Finish with Coconut Milk:
- Add 1 cup of coconut milk and additional salt if necessary.
- Stir well.
9- Cook and Thicken:
- Let the curry simmer uncovered, allowing the chicken to cook fully.
- Allow the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency.
Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-45 minutes
Total Time: 45-65 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 450
Proteins: 35g
Fats: 30g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Equipment: i-COOK Portable Gas Stove, Silver Metal Pot, Wooden Spoon, Standard Measuring Spoons/Bowls
Cooking Tips
- Sauté the onions until translucent before adding ginger and garlic paste to enhance their aromatic quality.
- Blooming spices in stages builds a deep, layered flavor.
- Adding water before coconut milk helps create a rich base without curdling the milk.
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