16/11/2025
An authentic Sri Lankan black chicken curry (Kukul Mas Mirisata) is a rich, spicy, and deeply aromatic dish. Its signature black color comes from roasting the spices until dark brown.
Ingredients
For the Homemade Roasted Curry Powder:
2 tbsp coriander seeds
1 tbsp cumin seeds
½ tsp fennel seeds
½ tsp fenugreek seeds
4 cloves
4 cardamom pods
2-inch cinnamon stick
1.5 tsp white rice (optional, helps with color and texture)
1 tbsp black peppercorns or powder
Note: Alternatively, use 2-3 tbsp good quality store-bought Sri Lankan roasted curry powder.
For the Curry:
600g to 1 kg bone-in chicken pieces
3-4 tbsp coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
1 large onion, sliced
1 tbsp ginger, crushed or minced
5-6 garlic cloves, crushed or minced
2-4 green chilies, slit lengthwise
10-20 fresh curry leaves
Pandan leaves (optional)
½ tsp turmeric powder
1-2 tbsp red chili powder (adjust to desired heat)
1 cup water
1 tbsp tamarind paste or paste of soaked goraka (brindleberry)
Salt to taste
½ - 1 cup coconut milk/cream (optional, for a creamier finish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Black Curry Powder
In a dry pan over low heat, add all the whole spices (coriander, cumin, fennel, fenugreek, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, white rice, peppercorns). Dry roast, stirring constantly, until the spices turn a deep dark brown and become highly aromatic. Do not burn them.
Set the roasted spices aside to cool completely.
Grind the cooled spices into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Set aside.
2. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the freshly ground spice powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, tamarind paste (or goraka), and salt.
Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for deeper flavor, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Cook the Curry
Heat coconut oil in a large pot or pan over medium heat.
Add the sliced onions, crushed garlic, crushed ginger, green chilies, curry leaves, and pandan leaves (if using). Sauté until the onions are golden brown and the aromatics are fragrant (about 5-7 minutes).
Add the marinated chicken to the pan. Cook for about 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently until the chicken pieces are lightly browned and well-coated with the spice mixture.
Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
If using, stir in the coconut milk/cream and simmer uncovered for another 5-10 minutes until the gravy thickens into a rich, glossy sauce that clings to the chicken.
Taste and adjust for salt, spice, or tanginess if necessary.
Ceylon hearth