Malvani Chicken Curry – Kombadi Cha Rassa

Last Updated on April 9, 2024 by Babita

Malvani chicken curry is an authentic Maharashtrian chicken recipe made with aromatic Malvani spices and coconut paste. This chicken curry is served with vade: a combination that you will never find in any restaurants over here.

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About the Recipe

Malvani Chicken Curry is a classic Maharashtrian recipe from the South Konkan belt of Maharashtra. This is my mother-in-law’s recipe, and it is my husband’s favorite chicken dish. I try to make it for him on special occasions or whenever he misses his mom’s cooking.

Malvani cuisine is spicy due to all of the aromatic garam masala. Coconut is liberally used in Malvani cuisine, either fresh or in the form of a paste. The traditional blend of the spices with the coconut paste gives this chicken curry its unique taste.

Kombadi Vade

Malvani chicken curry is known as kombadi rassa in Marathi. Kombadi means chicken and rassa means curry. The thicker consistency of this same recipe is known as kombadi sukka (dry).

This chicken curry is served with rice vades. Rice Vades are deep-fried flatbread made with rice flour. It is a traditional and classic combination or pairing known as Kombadi Vade.

I have a video recipe for kombadi rassa and vade on my Youtube Channel. You can check the recipes there or click below on the recipe card below.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutes

Chicken: Traditionally whole chicken is used for this recipe. The chicken is cut into small pieces so that it is enough to feed a large family. I use the thigh and drumstick cut into medium-size pieces as they are more flavorful and work well with this recipe.

Ginger, Garlic, Coriander leaves & Yogurt: I use these four ingredients to make a marinade. Marination helps to get rid of the raw chicken smell.

Malvani garam masala: is an important ingredient in this recipe. It is a special blend of garam masala that is different from the ones found in the stores. Click the link for the garam masala recipe. I make a batch of this garam masala and use it when required for Malvani recipes.

Vaatan: is a paste made of coconut, onion and black pepper. This paste can be made in advance and frozen. Click the link for the Vaatan recipe.

Other ingredients: include oil, bay leaves, chopped onion, turmeric, chili powder, tomatoes, water and salt.

How to Make Malvani Chicken Curry Step by Step

• Clean and Wash the chicken pieces well.
• Next, blend ginger, garlic, coriander leaves, and yogurt into a fine paste.
• Marinate the chicken with the paste for 15 mins.

• Heat oil in a large pot.
• Add bay leaves and onion. Saute onion until it is translucent. Add tomatoes and cook for couple of seconds.

• Next, add the marinated chicken pieces, Malvani masala, turmeric powder, chili powder, and salt.
• Mix all of them well.
• Add water, cover with a lid and cook the chicken for 15 mins.

• Next, add vaatan (coconut paste). Mix well and cook it on a medium flame for another 15 mins.

Serve it hot with rice or vade.

Like I mentioned above Malvani Chicken Curry or Kombidi rassa is served with rice vade. Click the post below for the recipe of rice vade and also the technique to make rice vade with tortilla press.

Recipe FAQ