Kukul Mas Curry: A Spicy and Aromatic Sri Lankan Chicken Curry

Sri Lankan Chicken Curry or Kukul Mas Curry is a rich and aromatic dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a blend of spices and creamy coconut milk. This traditional recipe combines the warmth of cinnamon, cardamom, and cumin with the heat of dried red chilies and black pepper, creating a perfectly balanced curry. Ideal for those who enjoy bold and flavourful meals, this dish brings the authentic taste of Sri Lanka to your table. Serve it with rice or flatbread for a truly satisfying experience.
  • Kozhi Curry (கோழி கறி) in Tamil
  • Kukul Mas Curry (කුකුල් මස් කරි) in Sinhala

CategoryDifficultyBeginner

Yields2 Servings
Prep Time15 minsCook Time35 minsTotal Time50 mins

Ingredients for Sri Lankan Chicken Curry

 500 g Chicken Thigh Pieces or Curry Cut Chicken
 1 large Onion
 1 inch Ginger
 5 Garlic Cloves, Chopped
 4-5 Dried Red Chillies
 10-15 Curry Leaves
 1 tsp Fennel Seeds
 1 tsp Black Pepper Powder
 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
 3-5 Cardamom
 1 inch Cinnamon
 1 tsp Coriander Seeds
 250 ml Light Coconut Milk
 ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
 ½ tsp Mustard Seeds
 4 tbsp Coconut Oil
 Salt, To taste

Directions for Sri Lankan Chicken Curry

1

Marinate the Chicken pieces with Salt and Turmeric

2

Dry Roast Dried Red Chillies, Curry Leaves, Fennel Seeds, Black Pepper, Cumin Seeds, Cardamom, Cinamon, Coriander seeds on Medium Heat. Once roasted allow them to cool down and grind it into powder.

3

In a pan, add in some Oil. Once the oil is hot, add in the mustard seeds and Onions. Saute them till it turns golden brown.

4

Now add in Ginger and Garlic and saute for a minute

5

Now add the marinated Chicken and Mix them all. Cook the chicken until the water goes away.

6

Now add in the ground powder and mix it well. Once the Masala is slightly cooked, Add-in Lite coconut Milk, and mix it well

7

Simmer the curry and allow it to cook until the curry gets a little thick.

8

Srilankan Chicken Curry is now ready to be served.

Sri Lankan Chicken Curry

Ingredients

 500 g Chicken Thigh Pieces or Curry Cut Chicken
 1 large Onion
 1 inch Ginger
 5 Garlic Cloves, Chopped
 4-5 Dried Red Chillies
 10-15 Curry Leaves
 1 tsp Fennel Seeds
 1 tsp Black Pepper Powder
 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
 3-5 Cardamom
 1 inch Cinnamon
 1 tsp Coriander Seeds
 250 ml Light Coconut Milk
 ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
 ½ tsp Mustard Seeds
 4 tbsp Coconut Oil
 Salt, To taste

Directions

1

Marinate the Chicken pieces with Salt and Turmeric

2

Dry Roast Dried Red Chillies, Curry Leaves, Fennel Seeds, Black Pepper, Cumin Seeds, Cardamom, Cinamon, Coriander seeds on Medium Heat. Once roasted allow them to cool down and grind it into powder.

3

In a pan, add in some Oil. Once the oil is hot, add in the mustard seeds and Onions. Saute them till it turns golden brown.

4

Now add in Ginger and Garlic and saute for a minute

5

Now add the marinated Chicken and Mix them all. Cook the chicken until the water goes away.

6

Now add in the ground powder and mix it well. Once the Masala is slightly cooked, Add-in Lite coconut Milk, and mix it well

7

Simmer the curry and allow it to cook until the curry gets a little thick.

8

Srilankan Chicken Curry is now ready to be served.

Notes

Sri Lankan Chicken Curry
  • Chicken Thigh Pieces or Curry Cut Chicken: Primary protein source, forming the base of the dish.
  • Onion: Adds sweetness and texture, creating a flavorful base.
  • Ginger and Garlic cloves: Infuses rich aromatic flavor, enhancing overall taste.
  • Dried Red Chilli: Contributes heat and color, providing a spicy element.
  • Curry Leaves: Imparts a distinct citrusy flavor, characteristic of Sri Lankan cuisine.
  • Fennel Seeds, Black Pepper Powder, Cumin Seeds, Cardamom, Cinamon, Coriander seeds: Dry-roasted and ground to form a crucial spice blend, offering depth and complexity.
  • Lite Coconut Milk: Adds creamy texture without overpowering with coconut flavor, ensuring a lighter dish.
  • Turmeric Powder: Contributes color and imparts a warm, earthy flavor.
  • Mustard Seeds: Sautéed with onions, providing a unique flavor and depth.
  • Coconut Oil: Used for cooking, enhances the tropical flavor and complements the light coconut milk.

Can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?
Yes, you can customize the spice level by controlling the quantity of Dried Red Chilies and Black Pepper Powder according to your preference.

How important is the marination step?
Marinating the chicken with Salt and Turmeric is crucial, as it enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken pieces.

Why dry roast the spices before grinding?
Dry roasting Dried Red Chillies, Curry Leaves, Fennel Seeds, Black Pepper, Cumin Seeds, Cardamom, Cinnamon, and Coriander seeds intensifies their flavors, contributing to a more aromatic spice blend.

Why is Lite Coconut Milk used in the recipe?
Lite Coconut Milk adds a creamy texture without overpowering the dish with coconut flavor, offering a lighter alternative.

What is the suggested serving for Sri Lankan Chicken Curry?
Serve this flavorful curry with rice or traditional Sri Lankan accompaniments for a satisfying and authentic meal.

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