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Durban Chicken Curry

Durban Chicken Curry is by far the best curry you will ever find in South Africa or at least that’s what I personally consider.

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By DenisiyaPublished on May 11, 2021
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Durban Chicken Curry
⏱️
Prep Time20 mins
🍳
Cook Time65 mins
⌛
Total Time85 mins
🍽️
ServingsServes 4-6
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This Indian Recipe Serves 4-5

Durban Chicken Curry is by far the best curry you will ever find in South Africa or at least that’s what I personally consider.

Chicken Curry is one of Durban’s prime luxurious pleasures. Dissimilar to milder East Indian chicken dishes – the Durban Chicken Curry does not contain sugar, fruit, coconut milk or cream. This popular meal isn’t for the faint-hearted as it is pungent yet so satisfying that your taste-buds will crave more.

Do notice – this palatal satisfaction might be trailed by a runny nose & watery eyes – a sensorial spate regularly connoting a recognized Durban Chicken Curry!

🥗

Ingredients

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

28 Steps
  1. Step 1

    Cut whole chicken & remove the skin if you prefer not consuming that in the curry. Rinse thoroughly & place into a bowl.

    Step 1 visual guide
  2. Step 2

    Peel & chop the onion.

    Step 2 visual guide
  3. Step 3

    Rinse & blend or grate the tomatoes. This will allow for a smoother gravy & will also allow the tomatoes to cook faster.

    Step 3 visual guide
  4. Step 4

    Rinse & slit the green chillies. Slitting them will prevent them from bursting when cooking.

    Step 4 visual guide
  5. Step 5

    Place a large pot on the stovetop on medium-high heat. Pour in the vegetable oil, add in the slit green chilies & thyme.

    Step 5 visual guide
  6. Step 6

    Thereafter, add in the bay leaves, cinnamon stick, star aniseed, cumin (jeera) seeds & fennel (soomph) seeds.

    Step 6 visual guide
  7. Step 7

    Mix & allow to sauté until the onions are translucent.

    Step 7 visual guide
  8. Step 8

    Once the onions are translucent, add in turmeric powder, red chilli flakes, cardamom (elachi) powder, coriander (dhania) powder, garam masala, cumin (jeera) powder, chilli powder or masala & ginger & garlic paste.

    Step 8 visual guide
  9. Step 9

    Mix well.

    Step 9 visual guide
  10. Step 10

    Add in the chicken pieces & salt to taste.

    Step 10 visual guide
  11. Step 11

    Mix well allowing the chicken to coat in the spices.

    Step 11 visual guide
  12. Step 12

    Cover with a lid & allow the chicken to seal in the spices for 10 minutes. Make sure to give it a stir now & again as you do not want it to burn – also avoid adding any water.

    Step 12 visual guide
  13. Step 13

    After 10 minutes, the chicken should have a beautiful coating.

    Step 13 visual guide
  14. Step 14

    Add in the blended or grated tomatoes.

  15. Step 15

    .

    Step 15 visual guide
  16. Step 16

    Add in the curry leaves.

    Step 16 visual guide
  17. Step 17

    Chop up ¼ cup of fresh coriander (dhania) & add to the pot.

    Step 17 visual guide
  18. Step 18

    Mix well & pour in a little boiling water.

    Step 18 visual guide
  19. Step 19

    Cover & cook for 15 minutes.

    Step 19 visual guide
  20. Step 20

    Whilst that cooks, peel & cut the potatoes into quarters. Pierce the potatoes with a knife so it allows the gravy to soak into them.

    Step 20 visual guide
  21. Step 21

    After 15 minutes, add in the potatoes. If you prefer peas in your Durban Chicken Curry, add them with the potatoes.

    Step 21 visual guide
  22. Step 22

    Pour in a little boiling water & mix well. Tuck the potatoes under the gravy & lower the heat to medium-low. Cover with a lid & allow the potatoes to cook for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are soft.

    Step 22 visual guide
  23. Step 23

    Once the potatoes are soft, turn off the heat.

    Step 23 visual guide
  24. Step 24

    Garnish with freshly chopped coriander (dhania).

    Step 24 visual guide
  25. Step 25

    This Durban Chicken Curry is ready to be served.

    Step 25 visual guide
  26. Step 26

    It may be served with soft roti or bread.

    Step 26 visual guide
  27. Step 27

    Or serve it with fluffy rice.

    Step 27 visual guide
  28. Step 28

    Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

    Step 28 visual guide
Video Tutorial

Watch How It's Made

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Frequently Asked Questions & Cooking Tips

Expert kitchen guidance and troubleshooting for making the best Durban Chicken Curry

What cuts of chicken work best for Durban 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 Durban 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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Comments & Community

2

Have you tried this recipe or have questions for Denisiya? Join the conversation below.

H
Hilary

I am living in the UK and these amazing recipes are home away from home.

D
DenisiyaRecipe Creator

Thank you Hilary. I am glad I could bring some of SA to you all the way in the UK ❤️

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