Go Back Email Link
–+ servings

Madras Recipe

Emily Parker
Square view of finished chicken Madras with cilantro.
Save
British-Indian inspired chicken curry with a tomato-onion sauce, warming Madras curry powder and adjustable chili heat. Rice and naan are serving suggestions, not included in the nutrition estimate.
Estimated Recipe CostEstimated US$8.40 for the whole recipe / US$2.10 per serving
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion about 200 g, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger finely grated
  • 2 tbsp Madras curry powder
  • 0.5 tsp ground cumin
  • 0.25 tsp ground chili powder use pure ground chili; add more only to taste
  • 1 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 0.5 cup water
  • 0.75 tsp fine salt
  • 0.25 tsp ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped

Equipment

  • 12-inch deep sauté pan with lid
  • Cutting board and chef's knife
  • Measuring spoons and cup
  • Small spice bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Instant-read thermometer

Instructions
 

  1. Combine the curry powder, cumin and chili powder in a small bowl. Keep the chopped onion, garlic, ginger and tomatoes ready beside the stove.
  2. Heat the oil in the deep sauté pan over medium heat. Cook the onion for 8–10 minutes, stirring, until soft and lightly golden.
  3. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute. Add the measured spices and stir for 30 seconds, reducing the heat if they start to catch.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes, water, salt and black pepper, scraping the pan. Add chicken and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover loosely and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the thickest chicken pieces reach 165°F (74°C).
  5. Uncover and simmer for 3–4 minutes if the sauce needs thickening. Add a small splash of water if it is too thick. Stir in cilantro and serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, curry onlyCalories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 35gFat: 19gFiber: 3g

Video

Notes

Nutrition and cost are estimates for one quarter of the curry, excluding rice, naan and yogurt. Curry-powder salt and heat vary; check its label before increasing seasoning. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in shallow containers at 40°F (4°C) or below; use within 3–4 days and reheat to 165°F (74°C).
Video credit: Chef Jack Ovens demonstrates a stovetop chicken Madras. His version sears the chicken first and uses individual spices, whole spices and coconut milk; this recipe uses a prepared Madras blend and a tomato-onion sauce without coconut milk. Follow the written card for these quantities and timing.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it turned out!
QR Code linking back to recipe