This easy coconut curry is the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and creamy flavors. The coconut milk gives the curry a smooth, rich texture while the combination of curry powder, ginger, and garlic creates a depth of flavor that is irresistible.
Serve this dish with fluffy rice or soft naan for the ultimate comfort meal. It’s quick, simple, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for a cozy, flavorful dinner.
Full Recipe:
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1-inch piece of ginger, grated
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1 tablespoon curry powder
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1 can (400ml) coconut milk
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1 cup chicken broth
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500g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 tablespoon fish sauce
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped
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Rice or naan for serving
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add chopped onion, garlic, and grated ginger, sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
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Stir in curry powder and cook for another 1 minute.
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Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, stir to combine, and bring to a simmer.
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Add chicken pieces, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper.
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Let the curry simmer for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
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Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve over rice or with naan.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 400 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Coconut Curry Sauce
Coconut curry is one of those dishes that brings comfort and warmth to the table, yet it’s incredibly easy to make with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. This easy coconut curry sauce is a beautifully balanced blend of everyday spices, creating an incredible depth of flavor. The best part is that it’s quick and easy to prepare, requiring only 30 minutes to create a rich and creamy curry that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. Whether you’re using chicken, vegetables, or legumes, this coconut curry sauce will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
The Magic Behind the Spices
The flavor profile of this coconut curry sauce is built upon a blend of spices that are commonly found in most supermarkets. These spices include curry powder, turmeric, coriander, cumin, paprika, and garam masala. Each of these contributes its own unique flavor and complexity to the sauce, making it much more than just a simple curry.
Curry powder serves as the base of this sauce, but it’s the additional spices that really bring the flavor to life. Turmeric offers its signature earthiness, cumin adds a slightly smoky taste, and coriander provides a citrusy freshness. Paprika adds a mild heat, while garam masala—the secret ingredient—brings in a deep, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish. Garam masala is a spice mix used in Indian cooking and is crucial for adding an authentic touch to the curry.
Making the Coconut Curry Sauce
Making this coconut curry sauce is a simple and straightforward process. First, you sauté onions, garlic, and ginger to form the aromatic base of the sauce. Then, the spices are added to allow them to bloom and release their essential oils, enhancing the flavors. The next step involves adding coconut milk, tomato passata (or puree), and broth, which creates the creamy, luscious sauce that is the hallmark of a good curry. Once everything is simmered together, you have a sauce that’s full of flavor and ready to be paired with any number of proteins or vegetables.
The simplicity of this sauce means you can experiment with different ingredients, making it versatile and adaptable to what you have on hand. Whether you decide to make it vegetarian with lentils, pumpkin, and spinach or add chicken, fish, or prawns, the sauce will deliver a satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor.
Creative Variations for Your Coconut Curry
One of the best things about this easy coconut curry sauce is its versatility. It can be paired with almost anything, making it a perfect base for experimenting with different flavors and textures. Some of the most popular additions include:
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Lentils, Pumpkin, and Cashews: A hearty combination of lentils, sweet pumpkin, and crunchy cashews that complement the rich coconut sauce perfectly. This version is a favorite among those who enjoy a vegetarian curry.
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Chicken, Fish, or Prawns: If you prefer a protein-based curry, searing chicken, fish, or prawns before adding them to the sauce ensures they are cooked to perfection and absorb all the curry’s flavors.
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Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, zucchini, carrots, cauliflower, and green beans all work beautifully in this coconut curry. You can mix and match any vegetables you like, depending on the season or what you have in your fridge.
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Legumes: Chickpeas, beans, and lentils are perfect for soaking up the sauce and making the curry more filling. For a different twist, you could also try adding some tofu for a vegan-friendly option.
Feel free to get creative with your choice of ingredients. You can add more vegetables or proteins depending on your preferences. The sauce is flexible, and it’s fun to try new combinations.
30 Minutes to a Flavorful, Homemade Curry
What’s truly amazing about this coconut curry sauce is how quickly it comes together. In just 30 minutes, you can have a flavorful, homemade curry on your table without spending hours in the kitchen. The sauce itself is rich and creamy, but it’s not as intense as some other Indian curries like butter chicken or chicken tikka masala. It’s the perfect balance for a weeknight dinner, offering bold flavors with minimal effort.
One of the key factors that makes this sauce stand out is its ability to develop deep, rich flavors without the need for long marination times. Unlike other curries that require marinating the protein overnight, this coconut curry achieves its complexity in just a short time, making it ideal for busy nights when you want a flavorful meal without much fuss.
The Importance of Garam Masala in Coconut Curry
As mentioned, garam masala is one of the standout spices in this dish, and it’s crucial for achieving an authentic Indian curry flavor. While garam masala is readily available in many supermarkets, its quality can vary. It’s worth investing in a good garam masala mix, as it will make a significant difference in the flavor of your curry. If you prefer a milder version of the curry, be sure to check the spiciness level of your garam masala and curry powder, as some brands can be quite hot.
Customizing Your Coconut Curry
One of the joys of this recipe is its adaptability. You can adjust the level of spiciness to suit your tastes by using a mild or spicy curry powder and adjusting the amount of paprika and garam masala. You can also add extra heat by incorporating chili peppers or using a spicy curry powder. For a more mellow curry, reduce the amount of curry powder or add more coconut milk for a creamier, richer sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This coconut curry is perfect when served over steamed rice or with warm naan bread. The rice soaks up the creamy sauce, and the naan can be used to scoop up the curry. To add an extra layer of flavor, you can garnish your dish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. For added texture, consider sprinkling some toasted cashews or fried shallots on top of your curry. These garnishes will give your dish a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor that elevates the entire meal.
Conclusion
This easy coconut curry sauce is a must-try for anyone who loves flavorful, comforting dishes that are simple to make. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences and tastes. Whether you make it with chicken, vegetables, or legumes, the sauce will never disappoint. With its rich, creamy texture and aromatic spices, this coconut curry will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Next time you’re craving something comforting, skip the takeout and make this easy coconut curry from scratch. It’s fast, it’s flavorful, and it’s guaranteed to impress.