Spice up your Christmas with this fiery devil chicken curry

Devil Chicken Curry: A Kristang Delight

Kristang cuisine is known for its rich and diverse flavors, and one of its most popular dishes is the devil chicken curry. Also known as debal curry, this spicy and savory dish has gained a loyal following among food enthusiasts. Chef Melba Nunis, a renowned Kristang chef, shares her recipe for devil chicken curry that she inherited from her mother, Mercedes Sta Maria.

Ingredients

• Cooking oil, as needed
• 1kg chicken, cut into small pieces
• 1.75 litres water
• 1.5 tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 5 tablespoons vinegar

Spices

• 20g dried chillies, cut into short lengths and soaked in water to soften
• 120g shallots, peeled
• 25g galangal, peeled
• 20g ginger, peeled
• 30g lemongrass, bulbous end only
• 1 nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 tablespoon cloves
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 6 candlenuts
• 125ml water

Garnish

• 1 yellow onion, peeled and cut into wedges
• 5cm knob of ginger, peeled and cut into strips
• 2 red chillies, sliced
• 4 potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges

Method

1. To prepare the garnish, heat some oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the onion, ginger, and chillies. Stir-fry until the onion is softened. Dish out and set aside.
2. Add the potatoes and stir-fry until golden brown. Dish out and set aside.
3. To prepare the spices, drain the dried chillies. Place in a food processor with the remaining ingredients and blend into a fine paste.
4. Using the same pot, heat 125ml oil over medium heat. Add the spices and stir-fry until fragrant.
5. Add the chicken and stir-fry to coat evenly with the spices. Cover the pot and cook for 15 minutes.
6. Add the 1.75 litres of water and stir well. Cover the pot again and cook over medium heat for 1 hour or until the meat is tender.
7. Stir in the sugar, salt, and vinegar. Add the cooked garnish and cook until the gravy is reduced and thick.
8. Serve hot with rice or bread. You can also enjoy this dish with fried salted fish and stuffed chilli pickles.

Tip

The flavor of the devil curry improves with time, so prepare the curry the night before or even a day or two ahead of serving.

Conclusion

Devil chicken curry is a popular Kristang dish that is sure to delight your taste buds. With its rich and complex flavors, it is a must-try for anyone who loves spicy and savory dishes. Try out this recipe and experience the authentic flavors of Kristang cuisine.

FAQs

• What is the original name of the devil curry?
  The original name of the devil curry is debal curry.
• Why is it called devil curry?
  Many believe it is called devil curry due to its fiery heat.
• Can I prepare the curry ahead of time?
  Yes, the flavor of the devil curry improves with time, so you can prepare it the night before or even a day or two ahead of serving.
• Can I serve it with other dishes?
  Yes, you can serve it with fried salted fish and stuffed chilli pickles for a complete meal.