Introduction

Cape Malay Curry is a beloved dish in South Africa, known for its aromatic blend of spices and rich, flavorful sauce. This curry is a testament to the country’s diverse culinary heritage, combining influences from Malaysian, Indonesian, and African cuisines. Served with rice and garnished with fresh herbs, Cape Malay Curry is a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Here’s how to make this delicious dish at home.

Ingredients

For the curry:

• 500g chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into chunks
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 can (400ml) coconut milk
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• 1 tablespoon apricot jam
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro (coriander) for garnish

For the rice:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/4 cup peas
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Curry
   • Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
   • Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
   • Stir in the curry powder, ground turmeric, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. Cook the spices for about 2 minutes to release their flavors.
   • Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides.
   • Stir in the chopped tomatoes, chicken stock, and coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
   • Add the cubed potatoes, sliced carrot, and chopped red bell pepper. Mix well and bring to a boil.
   • Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken and vegetables are tender.
   • Stir in the raisins, slivered almonds, and apricot jam. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
2. Prepare the Rice
   • While the curry is simmering, rinse the basmati rice under cold water.
   • In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the ground turmeric, cinnamon stick, and salt.
   • Add the rice to the boiling water, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked.
   • Stir in the peas and butter, and fluff the rice with a fork.
3. Serve
   • Serve the Cape Malay Curry hot, accompanied by the turmeric rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Tips for the Perfect Cape Malay Curry

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of curry powder and other spices to suit your taste preferences.
• Chicken: Thighs are preferred for their tenderness and flavor, but you can use chicken breasts if you prefer.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or lentils and use vegetable stock.

Conclusion

Cape Malay Curry is a flavorful and aromatic dish that brings the rich culinary traditions of South Africa to your kitchen. Its unique blend of spices and creamy coconut milk creates a comforting and delicious meal that is sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this traditional recipe will provide a warm and satisfying dining experience.