Discover the delightful flavors of Cape Malay Curry with this authentic recipe. Influenced by the Malay community in Cape Town, this curry is known for its fragrant spices and mild heat. Perfectly balanced with a blend of aromatic spices and fresh ingredients, it’s a comforting dish that will transport your taste buds to South Africa. Try this easy-to-follow recipe and enjoy a taste of Cape Town at home!

Ingredients:

- 1 lb (450g) chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

- 1 large tomato, diced

- 1 large potato, peeled and cubed

- 1 cup coconut milk

- 1/2 cup chicken broth

- 2 tablespoons Cape Malay curry powder

- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

- 1 teaspoon ground coriander

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1/2 teaspoon paprika

- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

- 1 tablespoon brown sugar

- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

Heat Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. 

Cook Onions: Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Add Garlic & Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Add Spices: Add the Cape Malay curry powder, turmeric, coriander, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to coat the onions and release the spices' flavors, cooking for 1-2 minutes.

Add Tomatoes: Add the diced tomato and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and blend with the spices.

Add Chicken: Add the chicken pieces, stirring to coat them in the spice mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink.

Add Potatoes & Liquids: Stir in the cubed potatoes, coconut milk, and chicken broth. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.

Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.

Season: Stir in the brown sugar and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish & Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your Cape Malay Curry with steamed rice or warm naan bread.

Nutritional values

This Cape Malay-inspired chicken curry recipe incorporates a flavorful blend of spices, coconut milk, and fresh ingredients, creating a rich and mildly spiced dish perfect for serving with rice or flatbread. Below is a breakdown of the ingredients and their individual contributions:

Chicken (1 lb or 450g, bite-sized pieces)

 - Calories: 165 kcal

 - Protein: 31 grams

 - Fat: 3.6 grams

Benefits: Chicken is a lean protein that helps in muscle repair and maintenance. It’s also rich in B vitamins like niacin and B6, which aid in metabolism and energy production.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons)

 - Calories: 884 kcal

 - Fat: 100 grams

Benefits: Provides a cooking medium that enhances flavor. Vegetable oil is a source of essential fatty acids but should be used in moderation to avoid excess fat intake.

Onion (1 large, finely chopped)

 - Calories: 40 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 9 grams

 - Fiber: 1.7 grams

Benefits: Onions add a natural sweetness and depth of flavor to the curry. They are also rich in antioxidants and may help with heart health and inflammation.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced)

 - Calories: 149 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 33 grams

Benefits: Garlic adds a strong, aromatic flavor and is known for its immune-boosting properties. It contains compounds that may reduce blood pressure and cholesterol.

Fresh Ginger (1 tablespoon, minced)

 - Calories: 80 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 18 grams

Benefits: Ginger adds a warm, spicy note and aids in digestion. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Tomato (1 large, diced)

 - Calories: 18 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 3.9 grams

Benefits: Tomatoes provide acidity and balance the richness of coconut milk. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and antioxidants like lycopene, which may support heart health.

Potato (1 large, peeled and cubed)

 - Calories: 77 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 17 grams

Benefits: Potatoes provide a hearty element to the curry and help thicken the sauce. They are a good source of carbohydrates, fiber, and potassium.

Coconut Milk (1 cup)

 - Calories: 230 kcal

 - Fat: 24 grams

Benefits: Coconut milk adds creaminess and a subtle sweetness. It is rich in healthy fats like medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which may provide energy.

Chicken Broth (1/2 cup)

 - Calories: 10-15 kcal

 - Protein: 1 gram

Benefits: Chicken broth adds depth of flavor and enhances the richness of the curry. It also contributes to hydration and provides essential minerals.

Cape Malay Curry Powder (2 tablespoons)

- Nutritional Values: A mix of spices, typically including coriander, cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon.

Benefits: This curry powder provides the distinctive flavor of the dish. The spices contain antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Ground Turmeric (1 teaspoon)

 - Calories: 312 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 67 grams

Benefits: Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, largely due to the active compound curcumin.

Ground Coriander (1 teaspoon)

- Nutritional Values: Adds a citrusy, floral flavor.

Benefits: Coriander is known to help digestion and may provide antioxidant benefits.

Ground Cumin (1/2 teaspoon)

- Nutritional Values: Warm and earthy, cumin enhances the flavor of the curry.

Benefits: Cumin aids digestion and may boost the immune system due to its high antioxidant content.

Paprika (1/2 teaspoon)

 - Calories: 282 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 54 grams

Benefits: Paprika adds a mild sweetness and color. It is a source of vitamins A and E.

Cayenne Pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional)

- Nutritional Values: Adds heat to the dish.

Benefits: Cayenne boosts metabolism and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Brown Sugar (1 tablespoon)

 - Calories: 380 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 98 grams

Benefits: Brown sugar balances the spices and adds a hint of sweetness.

Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tablespoon)

- Nutritional Values: Low in calories but adds acidity and tanginess.

Benefits: Apple cider vinegar aids in digestion and helps balance the richness of the curry.

Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Benefits: Enhances the overall flavor of the curry. Salt is essential for maintaining electrolyte balance, and black pepper adds a mild heat.

Fresh Cilantro (for garnish)

- Nutritional Values: Cilantro is low in calories and rich in vitamins A, C, and K.

Benefits: Cilantro adds a fresh, bright note to the dish and provides antioxidants.

This dish combines tender chicken with aromatic spices, coconut milk, and hearty vegetables for a creamy, flavorful curry. The Cape Malay curry powder lends a unique and mild heat, while ingredients like ginger, garlic, and fresh cilantro provide a fresh finish. Ideal for serving over rice or with flatbread.