Kari Debal (Devil Curry)

Kari Debal (Devil Curry) is a Portuguese Eurasian fiery chicken dish usually served during Christmas in Malaysia and Singapore.

Kari Debal or Devil Curry is the specialty of the Kristang people, the Portuguese Eurasian community in Malaysia and Singapore dating back to the Portuguese conquest of Malacca in 1511. There are all kinds of theories about the interesting name of this curry and most assumed that it has to do with its very spiciness. That notion is further reinforced by the fiery coloration of the curry coming from the grounded red chilies in the gravy.

Kari Debal (Devil Curry) – a Christmas Mainstay for the Kristang Community

Devil Curry is a mainstay of Christmas. As far as I can tell, it is usually cooked with chicken and potatoes. My dear friend, Denise of Singapore Shiok! who is Kristang shared an interesting insight into family traditions around this dish. Apparently in the old days, this curry was commonly prepared the day after Christmas with leftover meats from the holiday feast. As such, it may defer slightly in composition from family to family. Since it is greatly anticipated by everyone, the modern day practice is to cook it for the Christmas feast itself. Leftovers are simulated by marinating and precooking the meats before adding it to the curry.

Meeting Up with Fellow Bloggers

Fortunately for me, I did not have to wait until Christmas to taste this dish. During my visit back to Malaysia to see my parents last summer, I stopped by Singapore on my homeward journey. Denise had graciously invited me and another blogger friend, Shirley to her house for dinner. I spent a delightful and delicious day with both of them. Two of the dishes Denise made for dinner was this delicious Curry Devil and the renown Sugee Cake, both of which I have not eaten since my childhood. What a treat for me! Denise did kindly reduce the spiciness level for my sake. 🙂

I was anxious to cook this curry for the family when I got home. Since then, I have made it several times since as we thoroughly enjoy it. I did reduce the amount of spices used and substituted the bird’s eye chili with just one habanero pepper. I will tell you that my rendition is still pretty spicy but it is so shiok! Many thanks, Denise for this wonderful recipe!

The recipe below was adapted from Singapore Shiok!.

Similar Products Used in Making This Kari Debal (Devil Curry)

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KitchenAid 9-Cup Food Processor
Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 4-1/2-Quart Round French (Dutch) Oven, Cherry Red
Pyrex Prepware 1-Cup Measuring Cup
Cuisipro Stainless Steel Measuring Cup and Spoon Set

5 from 2 votes

Kari Debal (Devil Curry)

KariDebal (Devil Curry) is a Portuguese Eurasian fiery chicken dish usually served during Christmas in Malaysia and Singapore.

Author : Linda Ooi

Course : Main Course

Cuisine : Malaysian, Singaporean

Keyword : devil curry, kari debal

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Servings : 10

Calories : 668kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 4 lbs chicken thighs (fat trimmed) (1.8kg)
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil (80ml)
• 1 onion (peeled and thinly sliced)
• 1 inch ginger (peeled and julienned)
• 5 medium potatoes (peeled and cut into bite size pieces)
• 1 tsp Colman’s mustard powder
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 packet chicken or beef smokies (cocktail sausages) (14 oz/396g)
• 2 cups water (480ml)
• ½ tsp sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp white vinegar

Spice Paste

• 10 red jalapeno chilies
• 1 habanero pepper (optional)
• 2 large onions (peeled)
• 3 inch ginger (peeled) (3oz/90g)

Instructions

 

• Lightly sprinkle some salt and pepper onto chicken pieces. Place on a baking tray and roast in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 50 minutes. Remove and set aside.
• Blend all spice paste ingredients with as little water as possible into a fine paste.
• Heat vegetable oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions and julienne ginger. Fry until lightly brown and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  
• Add spice paste and continuously stir until fragrant and oil separates, about 8 to 10 minutes.
• Stir in potatoes. Sprinkle mustard powder and chili pepper over the potatoes.
  
• Add chicken or beef smokies and stir well to ensure they are well coated with spices.
• Pour in 2 cups (480ml) water, reduce heat, and allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes.
• Add sugar and salt followed by roast chicken pieces. Stir to get chicken coated with gravy. Allow it to simmer for another 10 minutes until chicken and potatoes are tender.
• Stir in vinegar and turn off heat.
  
• Serve with steamed rice.

Nutrition

Calories: 668kcal

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International Hot & Spicy Food Day

So spicy yet so delicious! Give it a try! Incidentally, today January 16th is International Hot & Spicy Food Day. Who knew? 😀