Malvani Chicken: The Coastal Coconut Chicken Delight (Recipe)

Malvani Chicken is a flavorful and spicy dish from the Malvan region of Maharashtra, India. Maharashtrian cuisine is incomplete with Malvani Chicken. It combines tender chicken with coconut, spices, and aromatic herbs, creating a rich and fragrant curry. Using coconut adds more flavour to the gravy and authenticity to this traditional Maharashtrian food. This traditional dish is perfect for those who love bold and authentic Indian flavours.

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes,
Cooking Time: 40 Minutes,
Total Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 Packet Zorabian Pre-Cut Chicken Skinless (500 grams)
• 1 cup grated coconut
• 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 2 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green chilies, slit (adjust for spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/4 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• Kokum (Amsul) – 1 piece soaked in water (or substitute with tamarind paste)
• Handful of curry leaves
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken

   Marinate the chicken pieces with ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt for 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Coconut Paste

   Grind grated coconut, desiccated coconut, and green chilies into a fine paste.

3. Cook the Base

   Heat oil in a pan and add curry leaves. Once fragrant, add chopped onion and saute until golden brown.

4. Add Tomatoes and Chicken

   Add chopped tomatoes and cook until mushy. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes.

5. Add Coconut Paste

   Pour in the coconut paste, kokum water (or tamarind paste), and coconut milk. Season with salt.

6. Simmer

   Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and the gravy thickens.

7. Garnish and Serve

   Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve Malvani chicken curry hot with rice or roti.

Let’s delve into the reasons why Malvani Chicken is celebrated as the Coastal Coconut Chicken Delight.

A Symphony of Spices and Coconut

Malvani Chicken is renowned for its rich, aromatic gravy that combines a host of spices with the creamy, sweet undertones of coconut. The dish typically features freshly grated coconut or coconut milk, which adds a luxurious texture and sweetness that balances the heat from the Malvani masala—a spice blend that is quintessential to the region’s cuisine. This masala might include dried red chillies, coriander seeds, peppercorns, cumin, cloves, and cinnamon, all of which are roasted and ground to create a powerful flavour base for the chicken.

A Culinary Reflection of Coastal Life

Malvani Chicken embodies the coastal way of life, utilizing ingredients that are staples in coastal kitchens, such as coconut, tamarind, and fresh seafood (though chicken is the star in this dish). The use of kokum, a sour fruit common in the region, adds a distinctive tang that complements the richness of the coconut. This dish is a vivid illustration of how local ingredients can be woven into recipes that speak volumes about a region’s cultural and geographical ethos.

Comfort Food for the Soul

There’s something inherently comforting about a well-made Malvani Chicken. The thick, spicy gravy and tender chicken pieces make for a satisfying meal that warms the heart and soul. It’s commonly served with rice or bhakri (a local bread), making it a hearty meal perfect for family gatherings and festive occasions. The comfort factor of Malvani Chicken lies in its homely preparation and the joy it brings to those gathered around the table.

Versatility in Preparation

Another appealing aspect of Malvani Chicken is its versatility. While the basic ingredients remain the same, cooks can adjust the level of spiciness, the type of coconut used (fresh grated, dried, or milk), and even the souring agent (tamarind or kokum) to suit their taste preferences or the availability of ingredients. This flexibility allows Malvani Chicken to be a canvas for personal expression through cooking.

A Dish for Every Occasion

Whether it’s a simple family dinner, a special festive meal, or a part of a grand wedding feast, Malvani Chicken fits perfectly into any culinary setting. Its robust flavours and rich aroma make it an enticing choice for any occasion, ensuring it remains a favourite across generations.

Malvani Chicken

Malvani Chicken, with its perfect blend of coastal ingredients and traditional spices, is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It offers a taste of the Malvan coast’s culinary richness, bringing together families and friends over a dish that is both nourishing and delightful. For those who relish the flavours of Indian coastal cuisine, Malvani Chicken is a dish that promises a journey through taste, tradition, and the comforting embrace of a well-cooked meal. Whether you are a seasoned food lover or someone exploring the diverse cuisine of India, Malvani Chicken is a dish that is sure to impress with its depth of flavours and cultural significance.

Enjoying our content?
Spread the love by sharing and giving us a like on our social media pages!

Discover the ultimate chicken experience with Zorabian Fresh Chicken, available both raw and in mouthwatering marinated options like Chicken Tikkas, alongside an enticing range of Ready-to-Cook Chicken Products. Please find us at your convenience: online through Big Basket, Zepto, Blinkit, or in-store at modern trade outlets such as Nature’s Basket or at our trusted general trade partner stores near you. Also, you can order chicken online via our website. Elevate your culinary adventures with friends and family, relishing your cherished chicken dishes. For an extra dash of inspiration, visit the Zorabian blog, where we share a collection of delectable chicken recipes that promise to delight your taste buds and enhance your cooking journey.