Indian CuisineIndian FoodDurban Indian

Cornish Or Culls Chicken Curry

Make authentic Cornish Or Culls Chicken Curry with this foolproof recipe. Packed with rich traditional flavor, step-by-step photos, and cooking tips by Denisiya on EatMee Recipes.

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By DenisiyaPublished on February 14, 2017
Cornish Or Culls Chicken Curry
⏱️
Prep Time20 mins
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Cook Time120 mins
⌛
Total Time140 mins
🍽️
ServingsServes 4-6
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This Indian Recipe Serves 3-4

Cornish or Culls Chicken Curry is a curry that is slow cooked for a few hours because the meat is actually quite tough. South Africa is well known for this curry & it usually is a Saturday favourite.

This meal is also referred to South African Indians as fresh chicken or live chicken. This is because the chicken is freshly plucked & cut. It also includes the feet, eggs & other intestines. This popular meal isn’t for the faint-hearted as it is pungent yet so satisfying that your taste-buds will crave more.

The Cornish / Cull or Indian Game is a type of chicken from the area of Cornwall in England. Cornish chickens, and also crosses of Cornishes, are the most-utilized breed in the chicken meat industry. They are overwhelming, solid feathered creatures that lay brown eggs.

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Ingredients

Scale:
Base Yield: Serves 4-6
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Step-by-Step Instructions

26 Steps
  1. Step 1

    The Cornish or Culls usually come pre-packed in tray & include many other parts of the chicken that the usual dressed chicken doesn’t include. These parts include the egg bag, chicken feet, giblets, liver, heart & sometimes the head. I prefer discarding of those parts that I do not consume & you can do the same. I love the chicken feet so I definitely keep that in as well as the egg bags.

  2. Step 2

    Rinse & clean the chicken (I remove the skin but if you enjoy it then leave it on). Place the chicken feet on a chopping board.

    Step 2 visual guide
  3. Step 3

    Notice those sharp claws. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut off the ends of each joint, removing the tips.

    Step 3 visual guide
  4. Step 4

    Add the chicken feet to the rinsed & clean chicken in a bowl.

    Step 4 visual guide
  5. Step 5

    If you enjoy the eggs, then I suggest rinsing them & setting them aside until it’s time to add them to the curry.

    Step 5 visual guide
  6. Step 6

    Next, you can choose to marinade it like I did (I just feel that there is added flavor in the chicken if you marinade it but it is completely optional). Marinate for about 30 minutes as you do not want the chicken to be out for more than an hour.

    Step 6 visual guide
  7. Step 7

    Peel, chop & set aside the onion.

    Step 7 visual guide
  8. Step 8

    Dice the tomatoes & set aside.

    Step 8 visual guide
  9. Step 9

    In a large pot, add in the oil.

  10. Step 10

    When the oil is slighly hot, drop in the onions & whole spices (cinnamon stick, bay leaves, star aniseed & curry leaves).

    Step 10 visual guide
  11. Step 11

    Allow to simmer until the onions are translucent.

  12. Step 12

    Add in your spices (garam masala, turmeric powder, chilli powder, jeera powder, dhania powder) followed by the ginger & garlic paste.

    Step 12 visual guide
  13. Step 13

    Add water if necessary – I always used boiled water when cooking.

  14. Step 14

    Allow the spices to simmer for 2-3 minutes, adding a little water if it tends to stick to the surface. Do not allow the spices to burn.

  15. Step 15

    Thereafter, drop in the diced tomatoes.

    Step 15 visual guide
  16. Step 16

    Mix well, cover with a lid & allow the tomatoes to cook for about 10 minutes until their soft & form a gravy.

  17. Step 17

    Add water if necessary.

  18. Step 18

    When the tomatoes have cooked throughout, add in the chicken pieces.

    Step 18 visual guide
  19. Step 19

    Mix well & add a bit water if needed. Cover & allow to cook on medium heat for about 1 ½  to 2 hours until the chicken meat is soft & tender. Be sure to check on it every now again so it does not burn.

  20. Step 20

    In the mean time, peel & cut your potatoes in quarters. Rinse potatoes & set in a bowl of water until ready to use.

    Step 20 visual guide
  21. Step 21

    When the chicken is almost cooked, add in the potatoes (discard the water that it had been laying in).

    Step 21 visual guide
  22. Step 22

    Mix well & allow for the potatoes to cook. Try & cover them with the gravy so that they cook faster.

  23. Step 23

    After 5 minutes, add in the eggs. (Note: If you prefer adding peas into this Cornish Or Culls Chicken Curry then it should be added with the eggs).

    Step 23 visual guide
  24. Step 24

    When the potatoes are soft & the eggs are cooked, check that the chicken is cooked thoroughly & if it is then the curry is cooked. It shouldn’t be too watery, yet should have gravy.

    Step 24 visual guide
  25. Step 25

    Garnish with fresh dhania (coriander).

    Step 25 visual guide
  26. Step 26

    Serve this Cornish Or Culls Chicken Curry with rice, bread, puff pastry roti or plain roti & a side of carrot salad or pickles.

Video Tutorial

Watch How It's Made

Follow along with Denisiya's step-by-step video guide for Cornish Or Culls Chicken Curry.

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Frequently Asked Questions & Cooking Tips

Expert kitchen guidance and troubleshooting for making the best Cornish Or Culls Chicken Curry

What cuts of chicken work best for Cornish Or Culls Chicken Curry?

Bone-in, skinless chicken pieces (such as thighs, drumsticks, and breasts with bone) yield the richest, most authentic flavor because the bones release gelatin into the gravy as it simmers.

How do I deepen the color and aroma of the curry gravy?

Braise your onions with whole spices (cinnamon stick, star anise, curry leaves) until deep golden brown before adding the ginger, garlic, and masala. Allowing the spices to fry for 30 seconds in hot oil blooms the essential oils.

Can I freeze leftover Cornish Or Culls Chicken Curry?

Yes, this curry freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Note: If freezing, omit or remove the potatoes as their texture changes when frozen. You can easily add fresh boiled potatoes when reheating!

Denisiya - Founder & Chef at EatMee Recipes
About the Creator

Meet Denisiya

Hi, I'm Denisiya! Food lover, recipe developer, and founder of EatMee Recipes. I specialize in authentic South African Durban Indian cuisine, comforting curries, and modern Instant Pot adaptations. Every recipe on this site is tested in my personal kitchen to ensure you get mouth-watering, foolproof results every time.

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