Goalondo Chicken Curry
A rustic and fiery one-pot chicken curry with historical roots in the river steamers of Bengal. This minimalist dish gets its robust flavor from mustard oil, lots of onions, and a simple blend of chilies, with no powdered spices beyond turmeric.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 50 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Chicken
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces, salt, turmeric powder, and 1 tablespoon of the mustard oil.
- c.Using your hands, rub the marinade evenly over all the chicken pieces.
- d.Cover and set aside for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature while you prepare the other ingredients.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Curry Base
- b.Place a heavy-bottomed pot or kadai over medium-high heat. Add the remaining mustard oil.
- c.Heat the oil until it is very hot and just begins to smoke lightly. This step is crucial to temper the oil and mellow its pungency.
- d.Immediately reduce the heat to medium. Carefully add the whole dried red chilies and sauté for about 30 seconds until they darken slightly.
- e.Add the thinly sliced onions to the pot. Sauté for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions become very soft, limp, and translucent. Do not let them brown.
- f.Add the chopped garlic and slit green chilies. Continue to sauté for another 2 minutes until the raw aroma of the garlic disappears.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Chicken
- b.Add the marinated chicken to the pot. Increase the heat to high.
- c.Sauté the chicken for 7-8 minutes, stirring continuously. This process, known as 'koshano', sears the chicken and helps the spices meld.
- d.Once the chicken is lightly browned and the masala mixture thickens and clings to the pieces, reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting.
- e.Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the chicken cook in its own juices for 30-35 minutes. This slow cooking method is key to the dish's flavor.
- f.Stir gently every 10 minutes to prevent sticking. No extra water should be needed as the chicken and onions will release sufficient moisture.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.After 30-35 minutes, remove the lid. The chicken should be tender and cooked through, and you will see oil separating at the edges of the curry.
- c.If the gravy seems too thick, you can add a splash of hot water, but traditionally it's a thick, rustic gravy.
- d.Turn off the heat and let the curry rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to settle.
- e.Serve hot with plain steamed rice for an authentic experience.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Do not skip the mustard oil. Its pungent flavor is the soul of this dish. Heating it to its smoking point is essential to mellow its sharpness.
- 2The secret to the rich gravy is slow-cooking the onions until they are completely soft and translucent, without browning them.
- 3This curry is traditionally made without adding any water. The chicken and onions release their own juices, creating a concentrated and flavorful gravy.
- 4Use bone-in chicken, as the bones release marrow and collagen during slow cooking, adding immense depth and richness to the curry.
- 5Adjust the number of green and dried red chilies to control the spice level. For a milder version, you can deseed the chilies.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Replace chicken with bone-in mutton pieces to make Goalondo Mutton Curry. You will need to increase the slow-cooking time significantly (around 1.5 to 2 hours) or use a pressure cooker to tenderize the meat.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
For a heartier meal, add a couple of large potatoes, cut into chunks, along with the chicken. They will absorb the flavors of the curry beautifully.
Smoky FlavorSmoky Flavor
For a subtle smoky aroma, you can briefly char the dried red chilies over an open flame before adding them to the oil.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality source of lean protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Boosts Immunity
Garlic and turmeric are known for their immune-boosting properties. Garlic contains allicin, and turmeric contains curcumin, both of which have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Contains Healthy Fats
Mustard oil is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (MUFAs and PUFAs), including omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health when consumed in moderation.
Frequently asked questions
Goalondo Chicken Curry (or Goalondo Steamer Curry) originated on the river steamers that plied the Padma River in Bengal, traveling to a ghat (port) named Goalondo. The boatmen (khansamas) created this simple, rustic curry using minimal ingredients available on the long journey, resulting in its unique and robust flavor.