Chicken Kolhapuri
A fiery, deep-red chicken curry from the Kolhapur region of Maharashtra. This rustic dish gets its signature heat and vibrant color from a freshly ground paste of dried red chilies and aromatic whole spices, slow-cooked with bone-in chicken until tender and richly coated in a thick, spicy gravy.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~10 min
Prepare the Kolhapuri masala paste.
1.Soak 10 dried red chilies in warm water for 15 minutes, then drain.2.Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a small pan over low heat, lightly roast the soaked chilies and 2 tbsp grated coconut until aromatic (2 min).3.Allow to cool, then blend into a smooth paste with 2-3 tablespoons of water. Set aside. - fry · ~7 min
Sear the chicken pieces.
1.Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a heavy bottomed pan over high heat.2.Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and sear until lightly browned on all sides (5-7 min). Remove and set aside.TIPSearing locks in juices and adds depth to the gravy. Don't crowd the pan. - temper · ~1 min
Temper the whole spices.
1.Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the same pan over medium heat.2.Once hot, add bay leaves, black cardamom, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Sauté until fragrant (30-45 seconds). - saute · ~12 min
Caramelize the onions.
1.Add the finely chopped onions to the pan and a pinch of salt.2.Cook, stirring often, until the onions turn a deep golden brown (10-12 min).TIPPatience here is key. Deeply browned onions form the flavor base of this curry. - saute · ~7 min
Build the aromatic base.
1.Add ginger and garlic paste, sauté until the raw smell disappears (1 min).2.Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and oil starts to separate (5-6 min).3.Stir in turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Cook for another minute. - saute · ~8 min
Incorporate the Kolhapuri paste.
1.Add the prepared chili-coconut paste to the onion-tomato mixture.2.Cook on medium-low heat, stirring continuously, until the oil separates and the paste darkens slightly (6-8 min).TIPCooking the paste well removes any raw chili flavor and intensifies the red color. - simmer · ~30 min
Simmer the curry with chicken.
1.Return the seared chicken pieces to the pan, add salt, and mix well to coat with the masala.2.Pour in 1.5 cups of water and bring to a boil.3.Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until chicken is completely cooked and tender (25-30 min). Stir occasionally.TIPBone-in chicken gives the best flavor. If the gravy thickens too fast, add a splash of hot water. - mix · ~1 min
Finish the dish.
1.Once the chicken is tender and the gravy reaches a thick, coating consistency, turn off the heat.2.Sprinkle garam masala and lemon juice over the top, stir gently. - garnish · ~5 min
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and sliced onion. Rest for 5 minutes.
Let the curry sit covered for 5 minutes so the flavors meld. Serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the deepest red color, use a mix of fiery Kolhapuri chilies and mild Kashmiri chilies.
- 2Soak the dried red chilies in warm water before grinding to soften them and make a smoother paste.
- 3Brown the chicken in batches; overcrowding the pan will steam it rather than sear it.
- 4Cook the onion-tomato base until the oil visibly separates—this ensures the masala is fully cooked.
- 5A final squeeze of lemon juice brightens the rich, heavy flavors and balances the heat.
- 6Let the curry rest for 5 minutes after cooking for the spices to meld and the gravy to thicken further.
- 7Store leftovers in an airtight container; the flavor deepens overnight and tastes even better the next day.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace chicken with 400g paneer (cubed and lightly fried) or 2 cups of cauliflower and potato chunks. The bold Kolhapuri masala easily carries vegetables, making it a hearty meat-free meal.
lower oilLower-oil
Reduce oil to 1.5 tablespoons total. Sear chicken in a non-stick pan, and use a splash of water or broth when sautéing onions and the paste to prevent sticking. The flavour remains intense with less fat.
coconut freeCoconut-free
Omit the desiccated coconut from the masala paste. Add 2 tablespoons of raw cashew paste (soaked cashews blended with water) instead for a similar rich body without coconut flavor.
extra fieryExtra-fiery
Add 2–3 green bird's eye chilies (slit) along with the ginger-garlic paste. Use 12–15 dried Kolhapuri chilies in the paste for an authentic, scorching heat that devotees of spicy food will love.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High-Quality Protein
Bone-in chicken provides a generous serving of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety.
Rich in Antioxidants
Dried red chilies and turmeric deliver capsaicin and curcumin, compounds known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Digestive Spices
Cloves, cinnamon, and black cardamom aid digestion and help reduce bloating, making this heavy curry easier on the stomach.
Minimal Added Sugar
This dish relies on the natural sweetness of caramelized onions and coconut rather than sugar, keeping the glycemic impact low.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but bone-in chicken is preferred as the bones and connective tissue release collagen during simmering, which makes the gravy thicker and more flavorful.
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