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Madras Recipe

Pocker Emily
Chicken madras recipe in a cream bowl
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A tomato-rich chicken madras-style curry with onion, ginger and individual ground spices, finished with lemon.
Estimated Recipe CostEstimated US$10 for four servings, excluding rice and toppings; prices vary
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 367

Ingredients
  

Curry
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs 680 g, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil 28 g
  • 1 large onion about 200 g, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves 12 g, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger 15 g
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper increase to 1/2 teaspoon if preferred
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes 14 ounces / 400 g
  • 1/2 cup water 120 mL, plus a little if needed
  • 3/4 teaspoon fine salt 4.5 g
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice 15 mL
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro optional garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Large deep skillet with lid
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Food thermometer

Instructions
 

  1. Heat the oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring, until soft and lightly golden. Lower the heat if it browns rapidly.
  2. Add garlic and ginger and stir for 1 minute. Stir in coriander, cumin, paprika, turmeric and cayenne for about 30 seconds. Add a tablespoon of water if the spices start sticking; do not let them burn.
  3. Add chicken and stir to coat. Add crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup water and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping the bottom of the pan.
  4. Cover partially and simmer gently for 18–22 minutes, stirring occasionally, until every piece is cooked through and a thermometer in a thick piece reads at least 165°F (74°C). Add water if needed to prevent sticking. If the sauce is thin, uncover near the end.
  5. Stir in garam masala and lemon juice. Simmer for 1 minute, taste the fully cooked sauce and adjust cautiously if desired. Garnish with cilantro and serve with separately prepared rice or vegetables.

Nutrition

Calories: 367kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 34gFat: 20gFiber: 3g

Video

Notes

Rice and toppings are not included in the nutrition estimate. Start with less cayenne if sensitive to heat. Refrigerate leftovers in shallow containers within 2 hours, or within 1 hour above 90°F (32°C); keep at 40°F (4°C) or below and use within 3–4 days. Reheat to 165°F (74°C). Nutrition is an approximate ingredient-based estimate. The instructional video by Kitchen Sanctuary uses chicken breast, a prepared Madras spice blend and coconut milk; this version uses thigh meat, individual spices and no coconut milk. Follow the written recipe for its quantities and cooking endpoint.

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