Cape Malay Curry | South African Spicy Dish

Cape Malay Curry Recipe

Gianpiero Rusconi

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

40 mins

Total Time:

50 mins

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Cuisine:

South African

Course:

Main Course

Servings:

4 people

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EQUIPMENT:

• large saucepan
• vegetable oil
• chopping board
• knife
• spatula or wooden spoon
• mincing tool (garlic press or knife)
• measuring spoons
• measuring cups
• spice grinder or mortar and pestle (optional if using pre-ground spices)
• curry powder
• turmeric
• cumin
• coriander
• cinnamon
• ginger
• salt
• chicken thighs
• chopped tomatoes
• chicken broth
• apricot jam
• lemon juice
• fresh cilantro (optional)
• cooker or stovetop burner
• rice cooker or pot (if serving with rice)

INGREDIENTS:

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons apricot jam
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
• Cooked rice, for serving (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Let's start with heating the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is heated up, take your chopped onion and sauté it until it is nice and golden - this should take around 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Then add your minced garlic and keep stirring for another minute until the fragrance fills your kitchen.
3. Now, we going to put in all those fragrant spices. This is what makes this dish such a star. Add the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Mix it all up and cook it for about 2 minutes.
4. Next, we going to put in the chicken thighs. Go ahead and sit them in the saucepan, making sure each piece is well coated with the spice mixture. Cook that for around five minutes or until the chicken browned on all sides.
5. Once that's done, add the chopped tomatoes, chicken broth and take a break for a moment. Allow it to simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavours have melded together perfectly.
6. Now, for a unique Cape Malay touch, stir in apricot jam and lemon juice. Mix it through evenly and let it simmer for a further 5 minutes to allow the sweetness to infuse the curry just right.
7. If you like, as I do, you can garnish your curry with chopped fresh cilantro right before removing it from the heat. This just adds a beautiful freshness to the dish.
8. You can serve your Cape Malay curry hot, perfect with a serving of cooked rice, or enjoy it alone. This friend, is how you put together a delicious, warm Cape Malay curry, packed with flavour and a true testament to South African cuisine.

Cape Malay Curry History

The robust and flavourful Cape Malay Curry, hailed from the shores of Cape Town, South Africa, is more than just a delectable cuisine. A mark left behind by the Dutch East India Company’s slaves from Malaysia, Indonesia, and other parts of Africa, this dish persevered through the annals of time. The name Cape Malayreflects its roots, with Capereferring to Cape Town – where the curry’s popularity took flight – and Malayhighlighting its Malaysian ancestry. Crafted in the heart of Cape Town, under the watchful eye of Table Mountain, Cape Malay Curry is an emblem of diverse cultures and histories blending harmoniously.

Tips & Tricks

I’ve rustled up many Cape Malay Curries in my times around the potjie. Firstly, don’t skimp on the marinade time; that’s where the magic resides. There’s a symphony of flavours in each mouthful, due to the layers of spices like turmeric, coriander, and cumin left to infuse. Secondly, splash in a hit of tamarind or vinegar, it brings out an exciting tang that is a hallmark of this curry. Lastly, patience, my mate, it determines the richness of the curry. Slow cooking adds depth to the flavours, you see.

Best Occasions to Serve Cape Malay Curry

Cape Malay Curry is a comfort food that’s perfect for any chilly winter evening. It’s a heart-warming centrepiece for family dinners as well as get-together feasts with friends. The curry also takes centre stage at South African public holidays like Heritage Day, reminding South Africans of their rich cultural history.

Recipes & Sides That Go Well With Cape Malay Curry

• Yellow Rice: The mild sweetness of yellow rice mellows the curry’s heat.
• Sambals: These refreshingly spicy tomato and onion relishes enhance the curry flavours.
• Dombolo: This African traditional bread is a unique way to mop up the delicious sauces from your curry.
• Roti: A flatbread, ideal for scooping up delicious mouthfuls of curry.
• Chutney: Its sweet tang finesse the spicy curry taste.
• Chakalaka Bread: This spicy bread is perfect for those that love an extra bite with their curry.

Ingredient Alternatives for Cape Malay Curry

• Lean Meat: For a healthier option, use chicken or turkey instead of red meat.
• Vegetables: Substitute meat with aubergines or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
• Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free curry, swap cream or milk with coconut milk

Troubleshooting (Common Problems)

• Curry too Spicy: Add coconut milk or cream to mellow the heat.
• Curry too Mild: Sprinkle in extra spices or chilli for a fiery kick.
• Meat not Tender: Slow cook or pressure cook the meat to soften it.

Cape Malay Curry Alternatives and Similar Recipes

• Durban Curry: Another South African favourite, marked by its red colour and hotter spiciness.
• Chicken Biryani: Similar in spices usage, this rice-based dish is a fragrant feast.
• Jollof Rice: A West African dish, full of spice-infused rice as the main character.