Cape Malay Chicken Curry. We are back with another one of our monthly international collaborations. This month, we are in the Republic of South Africa, the southernmost point on the African Continent.
South Africa covers an area of more than 460,000 square miles. This fact about the country is quite surprising. This is five times bigger than the UK. Still, South Africa is only the ninth-biggest country in Africa. Algeria is the largest, nearly twice the size of South Africa.
Also, not content with having just one capital city, South Africa has three. The executive capital is Pretoria, the judicial capital is Bloemfontein, and Cape Town is the legislative capital. Additionally, Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa.
My entry into #southafricanfoodies is Cape Malay Chicken Curry. It originates from the Cape Malay community in South Africa. The cuisine is a fusion of Malay, Indonesian, and South African flavors. It is easy to make, with readily available ingredients, and is not time-consuming.
Cape Malay Chicken Curry
Cape Malay chicken curry is a vibrant and flavorful dish that originates from the Cape Malay community in South Africa. The cuisine is a fusion of Malay, Indonesian, and South African flavors. These flavors were brought together through the history of the spice trade. The migration of people to the Cape region also contributed.
This curry is known for its mild yet aromatic spice blend, which often includes turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves. It typically holds chicken pieces and potatoes. Sometimes, dried fruits like apricots or raisins add a unique sweetness to balance the savory spices. The dish is often enriched with coconut milk or yogurt for a creamy texture.
Traditional Cape Malay Chicken Curry
Cape Malay chicken curry is traditionally served with steamed rice or roti. It is sometimes accompanied by sambals (spicy condiments) or chutney. It’s a perfect representation of how cultures blend to create something deliciously unique.
Cape Malay chicken curry has a rich history rooted in cultural fusion and resilience. It originates from the Cape Malay community in South Africa. This community was formed during the 17th century. They came from Malaysia, Indonesia, and other parts of Southeast Asia. These individuals, collectively referred to as “Malay,” brought their traditional cooking techniques. They also introduced ingredients, which they adapted to the local produce available in South Africa.
Their culinary practices changed over time as they blended with the influences of Dutch and British colonizers. This resulted in a unique cuisine characterized by aromatic spices like cinnamon, turmeric, and cardamom. These spices are often mixed with coconut milk and dried fruits. This dish exemplifies this fusion. It showcases a balance of sweet, savory, and mildly spicy flavors.
Diversity Reflected in Cape Malay Chicken Curry
South African cuisine is incredibly diverse, reflecting the country’s rich history and cultural tapestry. It is a fusion of indigenous African culinary traditions. It also incorporates influences from European settlers, Indian immigrants, and Malay communities. Here are some highlights:
Indigenous Roots
Traditional African dishes are hearty and made with locally sourced ingredients. Staples include maize-based meals like pap (comparable to porridge or polenta) and dishes featuring beans, lentils, and vegetables. Indigenous cooking often involves stews, grilled meats, and unique flavors like marogo (wild spinach).
Cape Malay Influence
This cuisine adds a touch of sweetness and spice. It is often characterized by aromatic curries and stews. There are also dishes like Bobotie (a spiced meat casserole with a custard topping). Ingredients like turmeric, cinnamon, and dried fruits are common.
Indian Influence
South Africa enjoys a vibrant array of Indian-inspired foods because of the large Indian population. These foods include bunny chow (a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry) and spicy biryanis. These dishes bring bold flavors and rich spice blends to the table.
European Influence
The Dutch and British settlers introduced dishes like biltong, which is a cured meat akin to jerky. They also brought meat pies and sausages. Desserts like malva pudding, a sweet and spongy treat with apricot and caramel flavors, were also introduced. Braai (barbecuing) is a beloved South African tradition, often compared to an art form, with roots in settler culture.
Fusion & Modern Dishes
Today, South African cuisine continues to evolve, blending global flavors with traditional techniques. You’ll find everything from fine dining inspired by local ingredients to street foods that celebrate the country’s heritage.
Cape Malay Chicken Curry
Materials
Spice Mix
- 1 1/2 tsp coriander seeds
- 4 tsp whole fennel seeds
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 tbsp cardamom
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tbsp garam masala
Cook the Chicken Curry
- 4 tbsp oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 tbsp ginger finely chopped
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 14 oz can of crushed tomatoes
- 1.5 lb chicken pieces
- 2 tsp garlic finely chopped
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- salt to taste
- Basmati rice
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Put the 8 spices together and mix until combined.
- Heat the oil in a pot, and
- Sauté the onion and ginger over medium heat.
- Add the chili flakes and spices and stir for 2 minutes.
- Next, the can of crushed tomatoes and stir. Cook until it bubbles up together.
- Add the chicken pieces, and stir to coat well, keeping the heat high until everything is bubbling away.
- Turn the heat down, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Add the garlic, sugar, lemon juice, and salt to the curry.
- Cover with a lid but leave a small opening for steam to escape; simmer for 15 minutes or longer.
- Taste the sauce, and adjust the seasoning
- Near the end of cooking, skim off extra oil/fat with a spoon, as it collects in the corners of the pot, if needed.
- Serve the curry warm with rice.
Video
Nutrition
Cooking Secrets for Men
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In The News
We were featured in a Redfin article! Check it out here: Designing the Perfect Kitchen for Home Cooks.
Shepherd Express (Milwaukee) article on our Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders show – you can read that article here
Good Counsel HS (My Alma Mater) Magazine article about Cooking Secrets for Men – you can read that article here.
Meet Charlie DeSando – “Voyage Tampa” article, which you can read here.
We were featured in a Redfin article! Check it out here: Designing the Perfect Kitchen for Home Cooks
Meet Charlie DeSando – “Voyage Tampa” article, which you can read here.
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Very flavorful dish
Love my curries Charlie. This one looks amazing!