Fried Chicken Curry – Sri Lankan Style

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Add 600g of chicken pieces to a pot. Season with 1.5 tsp salt, 2 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 2 tsp curry powder, and a cinnamon stick. Mix thoroughly to ensure all chicken pieces are coated.

Step 2: Boil the Chicken

Pour 1 cup of water into the pot with the marinated chicken and mix again. Place the pot on the stove over medium heat. Cover the pot and cook until the chicken is tender and cooked through, approximately 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Remove Chicken and Reserve Stock

Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove the chicken pieces from the pot using a slotted spoon and set them aside. Keep the remaining chicken stock in the pot for later use in the curry base.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat a generous amount of oil in a separate pan (or use the same pot after cleaning, if preferred). Fry the boiled chicken pieces until they turn golden brown and slightly crispy. Remove the fried chicken and place it in a colander or on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Prepare the Curry Base

In a clay pot or heavy-bottomed pan, heat 2 tbsp of oil. Add 4 cardamom pods, 4 cloves, cinnamon sticks, and fenugreek seeds. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped onion, green chillies, curry leaves, and pandon leaf. Sauté until the onions soften.

Step 6: Add Aromatics and Spices

Add 3 tsp of crushed ginger and garlic to the pot and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 2 tsp chilli powder, and 2 tsp roasted curry powder. Cook the spices for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, until the raw smell disappears and the oil begins to separate.

Step 7: Incorporate Tomatoes and Garcinia

Add one diced tomato to the spice mixture and cook until the tomatoes soften and break down, forming a thick paste. Stir in 2 pieces of dried Garcinia.

Step 8: Combine with Chicken Stock and Season

Pour the reserved chicken stock into the curry base and stir well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 9: Add Fried Chicken and Simmer

Add the fried chicken pieces to the simmering curry base. Mix gently to coat the chicken with the sauce. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to absorb the curry.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

Uncover the pot and stir in 2 tsp of soy sauce. Give it a final gentle stir. The fried chicken curry is now ready to be served. This curry is ideal with Rice, Paratha or Roti.

• If you make this a day ahead it is so tastier. The chicken gets so flavourful.