Goan Chicken Masala Curry

Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Servings: 6
Yield: 6 servings

Description

This is a traditional Indian red masala curry recipe from Goa with chicken. It involves making your own masala paste but it's worth it!

Ingredients

6 red chile peppers
1 tablespoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 (1 inch) piece cinnamon stick
1 (1 inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled
5 cloves garlic, minced
4 peppercorns
4 whole cloves
2 tablespoons oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 (2 to 3 pound) whole chicken, cut into 6 pieces
water as needed
2 tablespoons tamarind juice, or more to taste
salt to taste
2 teaspoons fresh cilantro leaves, or to taste

Directions

1 Combine red chile peppers, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, cinnamon stick, ginger, garlic, peppercorns, and cloves in a mortar and pestle or a food processor; grind or process into a paste (masala paste).
2 Heat oil in a large pot. Add onion and until golden brown. Stir in masala paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add pieces of chicken; mix well and pour in enough cold water to cover the chicken. Bring to a boil.
3 Cover and simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 30 minutes. Season to taste with tamarind juice and salt. Stir well and cook for additional 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro.