Indian Restaurant Style Madras Curry
Indian Recipes

Indian Restaurant Style Madras Curry

PanCurryDinnerSpicy4

This restaurant-style Madras curry is rich, fiery and full of classic spice flavour, built from browned onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes and Kashmiri chilli.

Use chicken thighs for a reliable home version, then serve with basmati rice, naan and plenty of fresh coriander.

Method

20m35m55m
  1. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 10–12 minutes until deep golden.
  2. Add the garlic and ginger paste and fry for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the cumin seeds, ground coriander, turmeric, chilli powder and garam masala. Fry for 1 minute, stirring so the spices do not catch.
  4. Add the diced chicken and cook for 5 minutes until coated in the spice mixture and lightly coloured.
  5. Add the tomatoes and water, bring to a simmer, then cook for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.
  6. Season with salt, adjust the chilli to taste, and garnish with fresh coriander before serving with rice or naan.

Ingredients

  • 600g chicken thigh fillets diced
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
  • 2 large onion finely sliced
  • 2 tbsp Garlic and Ginger Paste
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp Ground Turmeric
  • 1-2 tbsp Kashmiri Chilli Powder to taste
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 400g Tomato diced or crushed
  • 250ml Water
  • salt, to taste
  • small handful Coriander fresh leaves, to garnish

Notes

Reduce the chilli powder for a milder curry, or add extra for a hotter Madras.
Chicken thighs stay juicier than breast during the simmer.

Keep exploring

Indian
Pan
Curry
Dinner

Keep cooking

Related recipes

  • One-Pot Chicken Rezala

    Fresh

    Save

    One-Pot Chicken Rezala

    A fragrant one-pot chicken rezala with yoghurt, gentle spices and a rich curry house-style sauce.

  • Lamb Rogan Josh

    Fresh

    Save

    Lamb Rogan Josh

    Slow-cooked lamb rogan josh with warming Kashmiri spices, yoghurt, and fresh coriander. A rich, comforting curry that’s ideal with basmati rice or naan.

  • Prawn & Pea Korma

    Fresh

    Save

    Prawn & Pea Korma

    Creamy prawn and pea korma made in one pan with gentle spice and a rich coconut sauce, ready in about 35 minutes.

  • One-Pan Taco Rice Dinner

    Fresh

    Save

    One-Pan Taco Rice Dinner

    Enjoy a quick and flavourful One-Pan Taco Rice Dinner with ground beef, taco seasoning, rice, and black beans. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Ready to cook?

Still hungry for ideas?

Browse the full recipe collection or jump into search to find your next meal.

Browse all