Healthy Chicken Kurma Recipe (No Coconut)

1 hour 5 minutes

1181 reads

3.67 from 3 votes

About Healthy Chicken Kurma Recipe (No Coconut)

Craving a delicious and healthy Chicken Kurma? This recipe delivers a South Indian classic with a guilt-free twist! I've reduced the chicken portion and cleverly replaced coconut milk with a unique blend of melon seeds for a rich, creamy gravy without the extra calories.
Adding bell peppers alongside tomatoes boosts both flavor and nutrition, creating a vibrant and aromatic kurma. This lighter take on a traditional favorite is surprisingly satisfying and perfect for a healthy lunch.
Serve your creamy, flavorful Kurma with your favorite sides—phulka, brown rice, idli, or dosa—for a complete and wholesome meal.
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Recipe Time & More

Prep20 minutes
Cook45 minutes
Total1 hour 5 minutes
Calories162 kcal
Serves2
Served AsLunch

Ingredients
 

For the Chicken

  • 200 gm Chicken boneless, chopped

Aromatics & Spices

Spice Blend

Vegetables

Creamy Base (To Grind)

Finishing Touches

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Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Soak the watermelon seeds, muskmelon seeds, and poppy seeds in water for at least 30 minutes.
  • Grind the tomatoes and bell pepper into a smooth paste.

Cooking the Chicken Kurma

  • Heat olive oil in a pressure cooker. Add bay leaves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and star anise. Sauté for a minute.
  • Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add the ground tomato-bell pepper paste and sauté for 2 minutes over low heat.
  • Add the chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, and coriander powder. Mix well.
  • Add the boneless chicken pieces and mix thoroughly. Add salt and cook for 2 minutes.
  • Add 1 cup of water, close the lid, and pressure cook for 3-4 whistles. Turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally.

Making the Creamy Sauce

  • While the chicken is cooking, grind the soaked watermelon seeds, muskmelon seeds, poppy seeds, and roasted gram into a smooth paste with a little water.
  • Once the pressure is released from the cooker, open the lid. Add the remaining 1 cup of water and the ground paste to the cooker.
  • Simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the lemon juice and garnish with fresh mint leaves.

Serving

  • Serve hot with rice, phulka, idli, or dosa.

Recipe Notes

Expert Tips for the Best Healthy Chicken Kurma:

  • For a richer flavor, lightly roast the spices (cumin, coriander, chili powder, turmeric) in a dry pan before adding them to the kurma.
  • Adjust the amount of chili powder according to your spice preference. Start with less and add more if needed.
  • If you don't have a pressure cooker, you can simmer the chicken in a covered pot for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
  • For a thicker gravy, simmer the kurma uncovered for a few more minutes after adding the ground paste.

Please appreciate the author by voting!

3.67 from 3 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 162kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 5gFat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.2gSodium: 1710mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6g

Priya Satheesh
Priya Satheesh
Articles: 52
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3.67 from 3 votes

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