Koshi Ishtu - Kerala Chicken Stew Recipe

Name: Koshi Ishtu - Kerala Chicken Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs; 2 tablespoons oil; 6 cardamom pods, cracked open; 6 cloves; cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon black peppercorns; 2 bay leaves; 2 ½ cups onions, peeled and minced; 1 tablespoon gingerroot, peeled and minced; 2 tablespoons green chilies, seeded and minced; 1 teaspoon fennel seed, ground to a powder; ¼ teaspoon turmeric; 1 ½ teaspoons salt; 12 ounces small potatoes, halved; 1 cup green beans, cut in 2-inch pieces; 1 cup carrot (chopped into 2-inch by 1/2-inch pieces); 2 sprigs curry leaves, stripped (about 25); 2 tablespoons gingerroot, peeled and julienned; 2 tablespoons garlic, thinly sliced; 1 (13 1/2 ounce) can coconut milk; ½ cup frozen peas; rice, to serve

Servings: persons

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons oil
6 cardamom pods, cracked open
6 cloves
cinnamon
¼ teaspoon black peppercorns
2 bay leaves
2 ½ cups onions, peeled and minced
1 tablespoon gingerroot, peeled and minced
2 tablespoons green chilies, seeded and minced
1 teaspoon fennel seed, ground to a powder
¼ teaspoon turmeric
1 ½ teaspoons salt
12 ounces small potatoes, halved
1 cup green beans, cut in 2-inch pieces
1 cup carrot (chopped into 2-inch by 1/2-inch pieces)
2 sprigs curry leaves, stripped (about 25)
2 tablespoons gingerroot, peeled and julienned
2 tablespoons garlic, thinly sliced
1 (13 1/2 ounce) can coconut milk
½ cup frozen peas
rice, to serve

1
Rinse and pat the chicken dry; set aside.
2
Heat the oil over medium heat in a saucepan.
3
Add the next five ingredients and saute briefly until fragrant, about 40 seconds.
4
Add the onion, and saute until translucent, about 10 to 12 minutes.
5
Add the minced ginger and green chilies; saute 2 minutes.
6
Add the fennel, turmeric and salt, and stir into the mixture.
7
Push the mixture to the side and add chicken, folding each piece in half.
8
Spoon the mixture on top and brown for about five minutes.
9
Flip the chicken to brown other side and continue cooking for about five minutes.
10
Stir the chicken to mix well with the masala.
11
Add 1 cup water and bring to the boiling point.
12
Reduce heat, cover and simmer until chicken is partially cooked, about 15 minutes.
13
Add the potatoes, beans, carrots, curry leaves, julienned ginger and garlic.
14
Bring back to the boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
15
Add the coconut milk and peas; continue to cook at a simmer until vegetables are tender.
16
Serve hot over rice.

697

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 22 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, 2 tablespoons oil, 6 cardamom pods, cracked open, 6 cloves, and more.

Yes, Koshi Ishtu - Kerala Chicken Stew falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Koshi Ishtu - Kerala Chicken Stew

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions