Discover Rich Flavours Of Maharashtra With Regional Chicken Curries

For a non-Maharashtrian, the regional food includes pav bhaji, misal pav, poha, fish curry, and vada pav. But you have not even scratched the surface as the local delights are much more than street foods that have transcended the boundaries of states and nations. 

If you are a chicken lover, there are more than 10 varieties of chicken curries listed under the Maharashtrian cuisine. They are prepared using regional spices and produce, therefore, showcasing the essence of the state’s cuisine. Here is a list of must-try chicken curries that gastronomes should savour to dive deeper into the depths of regional flavours.

Malvani Chicken Curry

In the region of Malvan, chicken curry is prepared using kokum, chicken, coconut, and special Malvani masala. The coconut balances the spiciness, kokum amplifies the nutritional value, and together the ingredients come to present a lip-smacking delight that you cannot have enough of. It is tangy, creamy, and spicy, hence, it compliments rice and paratha.

Pandhra Rassa

Pandhra rassa is a Kolhapur delicacy, which flaunts a white hue due to the use of coconut milk as the base of the chicken curry. It is also mildly spicy because of the milk but has a rich texture and taste. It is creamy and the chicken pieces are also succulent. Unlike many Maharashtrian curries, which are usually spicy, this one is a perfect blend of different notes.

Dhangari Chicken

The Dhangar community in Maharashtra is a tribal community of shepherds from where Dhangari chicken originated. To prepare this dish, spices are blended and mixed with yoghurt to create a creamy and lip-smacking base. The chicken pieces are slowly cooked in this masala so that the flesh absorbs the flavours. This satisfactory delight can leave anyone licking their fingers.

Also Read: 5 Traditional Dishes By The OG Communities Of Maharashtra For Monsoon

Kombdi Rassa

Kombdi rassa is the Kolhapuri chicken curry recipe which boasts a red hue. Its fiery taste comes from the use of aromatic spices, locally grown chillies, and other fresh herbs. A special Kolhapuri blend of spices is also added to the gravy to add an oomph along with earthy notes of garlic and red chillies. If you enjoy the heat in your food, this recipe is for you.

Varhadi Chicken

Varhadi chicken is a recipe with roots in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra where you will find many recipes prepared with besan, and they flaunt an impeccable balance of herbs. The chicken curry is spicier compared to regional delicacies as a blend of cloves, black pepper, coriander, and other herbs is added to make it a perfect accompaniment with rice and flatbread.

Saoji Chicken Curry

Foodies in the Nagpur region swear by the Saoji chicken curry recipe for its bold notes and aroma that can make anyone drool instantly. It features a special Saoji masala comprising 32 spices and herbs. This intensely flavour dish also contains coconut that creates a perfect balance of all notes and leaves a gastronome experiencing food coma.

Masala Chicken Curry

This dish reflects the essence of Maharashtrian cuisine. You can find this on the menu of dhabas and restaurants across the state. Its gravy is cooked using tomatoes, onions, and regional spices that give it a thick texture and spicy notes. In many households where people enjoy non-vegetarian food, the masala chicken curry is served with rice or chapati.