Chicken Mapas Recipe – Kerala Style Chicken in Coconut Milk Curry
Description: Chicken Mapas, also known as Kozhi Mapas, is a rich and creamy South Indian chicken curry hailing from the coastal state of Kerala. Infused with the goodness of coconut milk, this dish strikes the perfect balance between a delightful blend of spices and the rich, mellow creaminess of coconut. It is a comforting and flavorful curry that pairs beautifully with Kerala’s signature bread – Appams or Parottas.
Cuisine: South Indian Recipes
Course: Lunch
Diet: High Protein, Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken (cut to bite-size) | 500 grams |
| Onions (sliced) | 2 |
| Tomato (chopped) | 1 |
| Green Chillies (slit) | 2 |
| Garlic (crushed) | 5 cloves |
| Ginger (crushed) | 1-inch piece |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | ½ teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 2 teaspoons |
| Garam Masala Powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | Handful |
| Coconut Milk | 2 cups |
| Coconut Oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Sugar | 4 g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Clean and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Slice the onions, chop the tomatoes, and slit the green chillies. Crush the garlic and ginger to prepare for cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the coconut oil in a large cast iron pan or kadai over medium-low heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions, slit green chillies, curry leaves, crushed ginger, and garlic. Sauté these ingredients, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn a deep golden brown. This will take around 5-7 minutes. Ensure the mixture doesn’t burn by keeping the heat moderate.
Step 3: Cook the Spices
Add the dry masalas to the pan: red chilli powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Mix these spices well with the onion, garlic, and ginger, cooking for another 2-3 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the mixture becomes fragrant, and the oil starts to separate from the masalas.
Next, add the chopped tomato. Cook until the tomatoes break down and become soft, blending seamlessly into the spice mixture. This will take an additional 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Chicken
Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken to the pan, stirring well so the chicken is evenly coated with the spiced mixture. Let the chicken sauté for around 4-5 minutes, ensuring it’s lightly browned and sealed.
Step 5: Simmer with Coconut Milk
Pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium. Let the curry simmer, stirring occasionally. This process will allow the chicken to absorb all the flavors and become tender. It should take about 20-25 minutes for the chicken to cook through. If you want a thicker consistency, allow the curry to simmer for a little longer until the gravy reduces to your preferred thickness.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, check for seasoning and adjust salt if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of color and freshness.
Step 7: Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Mapas hot with a side of Malabar Whole Wheat Laccha Paratha or Kerala Style Appams. For a complete Kerala-inspired meal, pair the curry with a side of Prawn Ghee Pepper Masala to elevate the flavors further. This combination will transport you to the heart of Kerala’s coastal cuisine.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Mapas:
- Coconut Milk: Use fresh coconut milk or high-quality canned coconut milk for the best flavor. If using canned milk, shake the can well before opening.
- Heat Level: Adjust the green chillies and red chilli powder according to your preferred spice level.
- Consistency: For a thicker gravy, let the curry simmer longer. If it gets too thick, add a little water or more coconut milk.
- Flavor Enhancements: For a richer flavor, you can add a few tablespoons of yogurt towards the end of cooking or a dash of tamarind paste to add some tang.
Conclusion
Chicken Mapas is the ultimate dish for anyone who loves rich, flavorful curries with the added goodness of coconut. This Kerala-style chicken curry is perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner and will be a sure hit with anyone who enjoys the warm, aromatic flavors of South Indian cuisine. Whether you serve it with traditional parottas, fluffy appams, or a side of rice, this curry is bound to become a family favorite.
