Malvani Chicken Curry – Authentic Kombdi Rassa

Malvani Chicken Curry, also known as Malvani Kombdi Rassa, is a flavorful Maharashtrian chicken curry made with tender chicken, roasted coconut, onion and aromatic Malvani masala.

This traditional chicken curry comes from the Malvan region of Maharashtra’s Konkan coast. The combination of roasted coconut, onion, ginger, garlic, green chilies and Malvani Sunday masala gives the curry its distinctive spicy, aromatic flavor.

I made this Malvani chicken using Sunday masala that I brought home from one of my trips to Malvan. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor and gives the curry the characteristic taste associated with Malvani cooking.

Serve this spicy Malvani Chicken Curry with steamed rice, bhakri, chapati, roti or pav for a delicious and comforting meal.

What is Malvani Chicken Curry?

Malvani Chicken Curry is a traditional chicken curry from the Malvan region of Maharashtra, located along India’s Konkan coast. Also known as Kombdi Rassa, the curry is made by cooking chicken with an aromatic masala and a roasted onion-coconut paste. Kombdi means chicken in Marathi, while rassa refers to gravy or curry. Malvani cuisine is known for its generous use of coconut, chilies and aromatic spices. These flavors are particularly well suited to seafood and chicken curries.

What is Malvani cuisine?

Malvani cuisine comes from the South Konkan region, particularly the Sindhudurg and Malvan areas of Maharashtra. Because Malvan is close to Goa, Malvani and Goan cuisines share several ingredients and cooking techniques. Fresh coconut is commonly used, along with spices such as red chilies, coriander seeds, peppercorns and other aromatic whole spices. Kokum, tamarind and raw mango are also commonly used to add sourness to dishes. Seafood is an important part of the cuisine, but chicken dishes such as Malvani Kombdi Rassa are equally popular.

What is Malvani Masala?

Malvani masala is an aromatic spice blend used in Malvani cooking. It typically contains a combination of dried chilies and several whole spices that are roasted and ground together. The exact recipe varies between families and spice makers. For this recipe, I used Malvani Sunday masala, a ready-made spice blend I brought back from Malvan. Sunday masala is particularly delicious in chicken curry, although it can also be used in other meat, seafood and vegetable preparations. If you live outside India, look for Malvani masala at an Indian grocery store or online Indian grocery retailer.

Why you’ll love this Malvani Chicken Curry

• Authentic regional flavor: Coconut and Malvani masala give the curry its characteristic Konkan flavor.
• Rich coconut gravy: Roasted onion and coconut create a flavorful base for the curry.
• Bold and spicy: Green chilies, red chili powder and Malvani masala provide plenty of flavor and heat.
• Perfect with rice or bread: Serve it with steamed rice, bhakri, roti, chapati or pav.
• Easy to adjust: The consistency and spice level can be changed according to your preference.
• Great weekend meal: This flavorful curry is perfect for a leisurely Sunday lunch with the family.

Ingredients for Malvani Chicken Curry

Chicken

I prefer bone-in chicken for Malvani curry because the bones add flavor to the gravy.

You can use boneless chicken if you prefer, but adjust the cooking time because boneless pieces may cook faster.

If using frozen chicken, thaw it completely before marinating.

Ingredients for the chicken marinade

Cilantro (coriander leaves): Fresh cilantro is blended with ginger and garlic to create an aromatic green paste.

Ginger and garlic: These form the flavor base of the marinade.

Lemon juice: Adds acidity and helps flavor the chicken.

Turmeric powder: Adds earthy flavor and color.

Red chili powder: Adds heat to the chicken.

Salt: Season according to taste.

Ingredients for the onion-coconut paste

Fresh coconut: Freshly grated coconut is roasted until brownish to develop a deeper, nutty flavor.

Red onion: Onion is sautéed with the coconut before blending.

This roasted onion-coconut paste gives Malvani Chicken Curry its rich texture and characteristic coastal flavor.

Ingredients for the curry

Onion: Finely chopped onion forms the base of the curry.

Ginger and garlic: Freshly crushed ginger and garlic add aroma and flavor.

Green chilies: Add heat. Adjust the number according to your spice preference.

Malvani Sunday masala: This is the main spice blend that gives the curry its distinctive flavor.

Oil: Used for sautéing the onions, coconut and chicken.

Cilantro: Fresh cilantro or coriander leaves are used for garnish.

How to make Malvani Chicken Curry

There are three main steps:

1. Marinate the chicken.
2. Prepare the roasted onion-coconut paste.
3. Cook the chicken with Malvani masala and coconut paste.

Step 1: Make the green marinade

Add cilantro, garlic and ginger to a blender.

Add approximately ¼ cup water and blend to a fine paste.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken

Place the chicken pieces in a mixing bowl.

Add red chili powder, turmeric powder, lemon juice, salt and the freshly prepared coriander-ginger-garlic paste.

Mix thoroughly so that all the chicken pieces are coated with the marinade.

Keep aside for approximately 30 minutes.

If you want to marinate the chicken for longer, cover and refrigerate it.

Step 3: Roast the onion and coconut

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the coconut paste.

Heat a kadai or pan and add 1 tablespoon oil.

Add sliced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and pinkish.

Add freshly grated coconut.

Continue sautéing until the coconut turns golden to light brown.

Roasting the coconut develops its flavor and gives the curry a deeper color.

Switch off the heat and allow the mixture to cool.

Step 4: Make the onion-coconut paste

Transfer the cooled roasted onion and coconut mixture to a blender.

Add approximately ½ to ¾ cup water.

Blend to a smooth paste.

Keep aside.

Step 5: Prepare the ginger-garlic paste

Using a mortar and pestle, crush the ginger and garlic into a paste.

Freshly crushed ginger and garlic give the curry wonderful aroma.

Step 6: Start the curry

Heat a deep kadai or heavy-bottomed pot.

Add 3 tablespoons oil.

Once the oil is hot, add finely chopped onion.

Sauté until the onion becomes soft and pinkish.

Step 7: Add ginger and garlic

Add the freshly crushed ginger-garlic paste.

Sauté until aromatic.

Take care not to burn the garlic.

Step 8: Add the marinated chicken

Add the marinated chicken pieces and slit green chilies.

Mix well.

Cook for approximately 5 minutes.

Step 9: Add Malvani masala

Add the Malvani Sunday masala.

Mix thoroughly so that the chicken pieces are coated with the masala.

Cover and cook for approximately 10 minutes over medium-low heat.

Step 10: Add the roasted coconut paste

Once the chicken has partially cooked, add the prepared onion-coconut paste.

Mix well.

Add approximately ½ to ¾ cup water if required, depending on how thick you want the curry.

Step 11: Cook the Malvani Chicken Curry

Cover and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cook until the chicken is completely cooked and tender.

You should eventually notice a little oil separating and floating on top of the gravy.

Taste and add salt as required.

Step 12: Garnish and serve

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.

Serve the Malvani Chicken Curry hot with steamed rice, bhakri, chapati, roti or pav.

What is Sunday Masala?

Sunday masala is a spice blend commonly used to prepare flavorful meat curries, particularly for a traditional Sunday meal.

I bought the Sunday masala used in this recipe during my trip to Malvan.

It adds heat, aroma and the distinctive spice profile that makes this curry especially delicious.

If you cannot find the exact Sunday masala I used, look for a good-quality Malvani masala at an Indian grocery store.

Since spice blends can vary considerably in heat, start with a smaller quantity if you are using a different brand and add more according to taste.

Can I make Malvani Chicken without Sunday Masala?

Yes.

You can use another good-quality Malvani masala instead.

Keep in mind that different spice blends have different levels of heat and different spice combinations, so the final flavor may vary slightly.

Start with less masala and adjust according to taste.

What does Malvani Chicken taste like?

Malvani Chicken Curry is aromatic, spicy and rich with the flavor of roasted coconut.

The Malvani masala provides warmth and heat, while ginger, garlic, cilantro and green chilies add freshness and aroma.

Unlike creamy North Indian chicken curries, Malvani Chicken gets much of its richness from roasted coconut and onion.

How spicy is Malvani Chicken?

Malvani food is generally known for bold and spicy flavors.

This recipe gets heat from red chili powder, green chilies and Malvani Sunday masala.

However, you can easily adjust the spice level.

For a milder curry, reduce the green chilies and use less Malvani masala.

Remember that different brands of Malvani masala can have different levels of heat.

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes.

Although I prefer bone-in chicken for this curry, boneless chicken thighs can also be used.

Boneless chicken may cook more quickly, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I use coconut milk instead of grated coconut?

For the traditional flavor and texture of this recipe, I recommend using freshly grated coconut.

The coconut is roasted with onion before being blended, and that roasting step contributes significantly to the flavor of the curry.

Coconut milk will produce a different texture and flavor.

What can I serve with Malvani Chicken Curry?

Malvani Chicken Curry tastes delicious with:

• Steamed rice
• Jeera rice
• Bhakri
• Chapati
• Roti
• Pav

For a traditional-style meal, steamed rice or bhakri is an excellent choice.

Malvani Chicken vs Goan Chicken Xacuti

Both Malvani Chicken Curry and Goan Chicken Xacuti come from India’s western coastal region and make generous use of coconut and spices.

However, they have different spice profiles and preparation methods.

Malvani Chicken uses Malvani masala along with roasted onion and coconut.

Chicken Xacuti uses a freshly roasted spice mixture with coconut and aromatic whole spices to create its distinctive Goan flavor.

Both are excellent recipes to try if you enjoy bold coastal Indian chicken curries.

Tips for the best Malvani Chicken Curry

Use bone-in chicken: It gives the curry more flavor.

Use fresh coconut: Freshly grated coconut gives the best texture and traditional flavor.

Roast the coconut properly: Allow it to become golden to light brown without burning.

Marinate the chicken: Even 30 minutes allows the ginger, garlic, cilantro and spices to flavor the chicken.

Adjust Malvani masala carefully: Spice blends vary, so adjust according to the brand and your heat preference.

Don’t add too much water: Add water gradually depending on whether you prefer a thick or thinner rassa.

Cook until the chicken is tender: Cooking time can vary depending on the size and type of chicken pieces.

More Indian Chicken Curries to Try

If you enjoyed this Malvani Chicken Curry, try my Goan Chicken Xacuti, another flavorful coastal Indian chicken curry prepared with roasted coconut and aromatic spices.

For a completely different Goan flavor, make my Chicken Cafreal, a vibrant green chicken recipe made with cilantro, green chilies and spices.

If you enjoy bold South Indian flavors, try Chicken Chettinad, while my Butter Chicken is perfect when you want a milder tomato-based chicken curry.

You can also try Goan Chilli Chicken for a spicy and tangy Goan-style chicken dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Malvani Chicken Curry?

Malvani Chicken Curry is a spicy chicken and coconut curry from the Malvan region of Maharashtra. It is also known as Malvani Kombdi Rassa.

What does Kombdi Rassa mean?

Kombdi means chicken in Marathi and rassa refers to curry or gravy.

Is Malvani Chicken Curry spicy?

Yes, Malvani Chicken is generally a spicy curry. You can reduce the green chilies and Malvani masala for a milder version.

What is Malvani Chicken made of?

Malvani Chicken is made with chicken, coconut, onion, ginger, garlic, chilies and Malvani masala. This recipe also uses cilantro, lemon juice and spices to marinate the chicken.

What can I substitute for Sunday masala?

Use a good-quality Malvani masala. Because spice blends vary, add it gradually and adjust according to taste.

Can I make Malvani Chicken ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the curry ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I freeze Malvani Chicken Curry?

Yes. Cool the curry completely and store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it safely in the refrigerator before reheating.

More Indian Chicken Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed this Malvani Chicken Curry, try my Goan Chicken Xacuti, another flavorful coastal Indian chicken curry made with roasted coconut and aromatic spices. For a completely different Goan flavor, make my Chicken Cafreal, a vibrant green chicken recipe flavored with cilantro, green chilies and spices.

If you enjoy bold South Indian flavors, try my Chicken Chettinad. For something milder and richer, my Butter Chicken is a delicious tomato-based chicken curry. You can also try my Goan Chilli Chicken for another spicy and flavorful Goan chicken dish.

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