Chicken curry is a dish that resonates deeply with food lovers across the globe, each culture bringing its unique twist to this versatile and flavour-packed meal. At the heart of many a cherished curry recipe lies the chicken drumstick, an often underrated cut that, when cooked right, can bring extraordinary depth and richness to a dish.
The Drumstick’s Distinct Appeal
Chicken drumsticks, with their succulent meat and robust texture, are perfectly suited to the slow, simmering nature of a curry. The bone within the drumstick contributes to the overall flavour, releasing marrow into the sauce and creating a depth that boneless cuts simply can’t match. The skin, if left on, can crisp up, adding a delightful contrast to the tender meat beneath.
Moreover, drumsticks are forgiving, retaining moisture and flavour even if cooked for longer than intended. This makes them an excellent choice for curries, where the meat needs to withstand the slow melding of spices and other ingredients without becoming dry or tough.
A Symphony of Spices
The true magic of chicken curry lies in the careful balance of spices, each adding its own note to the symphony. The drumstick’s robust flavour pairs beautifully with the warmth of cumin, the earthiness of coriander, and the heat of chilli, creating a dish that is as comforting as it is invigorating. Whether you favour a mild and creamy korma or a fiery madras, the drumstick absorbs and enhances the spices, making every bite a burst of flavour.
Adding to this, the cooking process allows the spices to penetrate the meat fully, ensuring that the flavour runs deep through the drumstick rather than just coating the surface. The result is a curry where each mouthful delivers the complex layers of spice, tang, and sweetness that are the hallmark of this beloved dish.
What to Serve with Chicken Drumstick Curry
When it comes to serving, chicken curry with drumsticks is wonderfully versatile. The richness of the curry sauce and the tender meat pair perfectly with a range of side dishes, allowing you to tailor the meal to your taste or occasion.
Rice is the most common accompaniment, with basmati rice being a popular choice for its delicate fragrance and fluffy texture. The grains absorb the curry sauce, providing a subtle backdrop that lets the flavours of the curry shine. For a more aromatic touch, consider serving your curry with saffron rice or pilau, which adds an extra layer of complexity to the meal.
Naan bread is another classic pairing, its soft, pillowy texture ideal for mopping up the rich sauce. Whether plain, garlic, or stuffed with spices, naan adds a satisfying element to the meal. Roti, a lighter and thinner bread, is also an excellent option, especially if you prefer a more modest serving of carbohydrates.
For a lighter option, consider serving the curry with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh cucumber raita. The coolness of the raita, with its blend of yoghurt, cucumber, and mint, provides a refreshing contrast to the warm spices of the curry. Meanwhile, vegetables like steamed broccoli, carrots, or green beans offer a nutritious balance, their natural sweetness complementing the savoury richness of the curry.
If you’re looking to add a touch of indulgence, poppadoms with chutneys and pickles can make for a delightful starter or side. The crispiness of the poppadoms contrasts beautifully with the creamy curry, while the sweet and tangy chutneys add an extra burst of flavour.
There’s something deeply satisfying about tucking into a well-made chicken curry, especially when it includes tender, flavour-infused drumsticks. It’s a dish that offers both comfort and excitement, a true celebration of spices and the rich, hearty nature of chicken. Whether served with simple rice, fragrant naan, or fresh vegetables, a drumstick curry is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that warms both body and soul.
Chicken Drumstick Curry
This chicken drumstick curry is a hearty and flavourful dish where succulent drumsticks are simmered in a rich, spiced sauce. Perfect for a comforting meal, it pairs beautifully with rice, naan, or vegetables.
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Servings: 4 People
Calories: 417kcal
Ingredients
- 8 large chicken drumsticks skin on or off as preferred
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 medium onions finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger grated
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp chilli powder adjust to taste
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 400 g chopped tomatoes
- 200 ml coconut milk
- 250 ml chicken stock
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 1/3 bunch fresh coriander chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken drumsticks with salt and pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a large, deep pan over medium heat. Add the drumsticks and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the drumsticks from the pan and set them aside.8 large chicken drumsticks, salt, pepper, 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- In the same pan, add the chopped onions and cook until they are soft and golden brown, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.2 medium onions, 4 cloves garlic, 1 inch fresh ginger
- Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, chilli powder, and cinnamon stick. Cook the spices for 1-2 minutes, allowing them to release their aromas.2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp chilli powder, 1 stick cinnamon
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan, stirring well to combine with the spices. Cook for 5 minutes, letting the tomatoes break down and thicken slightly.400 g chopped tomatoes
- 200 ml coconut milk, 250 ml chicken stock
- Return the browned drumsticks to the pan, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Cover the pan and simmer gently for 45-50 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- In the final 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the garam masala. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.1 tsp garam masala
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with basmati rice, naan bread, or your favourite vegetables.1/3 bunch fresh coriander
Nutrition
Calories: 417kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 141mg | Sodium: 411mg | Potassium: 857mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 398IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 5mg
6 comments
This is hands down one of the best curries I’ve made at home.
Whipped this is lastjight having never used drumsticks in a curry before. They were gorgeous and the sauce was definateky thicker than normal. No a goto recipe.
I was surprised by how much depth of flavour this curry had, especially with such simple ingredients. The drumsticks stayed juicy, and I loved how the spices really penetrated the meat.
Definitely a recipe I’ll be making again.
The drumsticks were tender and full of flavour, and the spice blend was just right—not too mild, but not overly spicy either.
It took a little longer than expected to cook, but the end result was worth it.