Easy & Customisable Madras Curry Recipe – A Bold & Aromatic Dish

A classic South Asian dish, Madras curry is known for its rich, spicy, and aromatic blend of flavours. Whether you prefer vegetables, chicken, or meat, this recipe is perfect for a comforting and flavourful meal.


Preparation & Cooking Time

⏱️ Preparation Time: 20–30 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 30–40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes


Ingredients

For the Curry Paste:

🌿 2 tbsp coriander seeds
🌿 1 tbsp cumin seeds
🌿 1 tsp fennel seeds
🌿 1 tsp black peppercorns
🌶️ 4–6 dried red chillies (adjust to taste)
🧂 1 tbsp turmeric powder
🌶️ 1 tbsp paprika
🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
🧄 1-inch ginger, grated
🛢️ 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Curry:

🛢️ 2 tbsp vegetable oil
🧅 1 large onion, finely chopped
🍅 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
🥩 400g (14 oz) protein of your choice (vegetables, chicken, or meat), cut into bite-sized pieces
🥥 1 cup coconut milk
🧂 Salt to taste
🌿 Fresh coriander, chopped (for garnish)


Instructions

1. Prepare the Curry Paste

  • Dry roast coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and black peppercorns in a pan until fragrant.
  • Grind the roasted spices with dried red chillies, turmeric powder, paprika, garlic, and ginger to form a smooth paste. Add oil while grinding to help combine the ingredients.

2. Cook the Base

  • Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  • Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
  • Stir in the prepared curry paste and cook for 2–3 minutes until the oil starts to separate from the paste.

3. Add the Tomatoes & Protein

  • Add diced tomatoes to the pan and cook until they soften and the oil separates.
  • Add your choice of protein (vegetables, chicken, or meat) to the pan and cook until browned.

4. Simmer & Finish

  • Pour in the coconut milk, stir well, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes until the protein is fully cooked and the flavours meld together.
  • Adjust salt to taste.

5. Garnish & Serve

  • Garnish with fresh coriander.
  • Serve hot with steamed rice, naan, or your favourite bread.

Adjust the spice level to your preference and enjoy this bold and aromatic Madras curry! 🍛🔥