National Dish Suriname: Surinaamse Kip Kerrieschotel (Recipe)
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Meet Surinaamse Kip Kerrieschotel, a fragrant chicken curry that sums up everything lovable about Suriname’s kitchen. Tender pieces of chicken simmer in a creamy, gently spiced coconut sauce until the whole pan smells of warm curry and fresh herbs. It is generous, comforting food with an unmistakably Caribbean lilt — a proper feast for the senses that still comes together on an ordinary weeknight.
About Surinaamse Kip Kerrieschotel
Surinaamse Kip Kerrieschotel is a traditional dish of Surinamese cooking that mirrors the many cultures that have shaped the country. The harmony of spices, aromatic herbs and fresh produce turns it into a genuine flavour experience. It is ideal for eating together, being both delicious and thoroughly filling. With tender chicken pieces suspended in a creamy curry sauce, this dish is perfect for anyone who wants to discover the aromas of the Caribbean.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 400 g chicken breast fillet
- 2 onions
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1–2 tablespoons curry powder
- 200 ml coconut milk
- 1 pepper (red or yellow)
- 2 tablespoons oil, for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh coriander, to garnish
- Rice or local side dishes
Shopping for the ingredients
To make Surinaamse Kip Kerrieschotel as authentic as possible, choose fresh, good-quality ingredients. A visit to your local supermarket or an Asian grocery will usually turn up the best produce. Make sure the chicken is fresh and that the spices are of decent quality, since the curry carries the whole dish. For extra flavour we recommend buying fresh coriander and organic coconut milk rather than the thin, watery kind.
Preparing the dish
Preparation is an essential step in making Surinaamse Kip Kerrieschotel. Start by cutting the chicken breast fillet into bite-sized pieces. The onions and garlic should be finely chopped, and the pepper cut into strips. Working this way gives you an even cooking time and helps the aromas of the dish develop properly — the same unhurried groundwork that pays off in a slow braise such as Surinaamse Stoofvlees.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the onions and garlic until translucent.
- Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides.
- Sprinkle in the curry powder and stir well so the chicken is evenly coated.
- Add the coconut milk and the sliced pepper, then lower the heat and let everything simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper and garnish with fresh coriander.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Surinaamse Kip Kerrieschotel is naturally a dish that is easy to prepare gluten-free and lactose-free. Use a gluten-free curry powder and check that every ingredient you reach for meets your dietary requirements. Coconut milk, for instance, makes an excellent stand-in for conventional cream, giving the sauce body without any dairy at all. With these small adjustments, anyone with an intolerance can enjoy the dish exactly as it is meant to be.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For vegans and vegetarians this dish adapts with very little effort. Instead of chicken, use tofu or chickpeas, both of which are good sources of protein. They can be treated in the same way as the meat and braised in the curry sauce until they have taken on the spices. Do check that the curry blend and the coconut milk you use are entirely plant-based, so the finished dish stays fully vegan — much like the meat-free classic Tayerblad.
More tips and tricks
To intensify the aroma of Surinaamse Kip Kerrieschotel, you can marinate the chicken overnight. This lets the spices penetrate deeper into the meat or vegetables and lifts the flavour noticeably. Another option is to thicken the sauce slightly by stirring in a small amount of cornflour or plain flour. Experiment with different vegetables to make the dish your own.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Adjusting this recipe to suit your preferences is straightforward: add different vegetables, or dial the heat up and down as you please. A little chilli or fresh ginger brings a spicier edge, while pieces of pineapple or mango give a sweeter version that pairs beautifully with the curry sauce. Tweaks like these let you create a dish that speaks directly to your own palate.
Ingredient substitutions
If you have no coconut milk to hand, almond milk or soy cream will also give a creamy consistency. In place of chicken you can use fish or prawns, both protein-rich alternatives that are widely eaten across the Caribbean — see Surinaamse Garnalen for that route. If you would rather skip ready-made curry powder, try a mix of cumin, coriander and turmeric to reach a similar flavour profile.
Drink pairing ideas
A hearty Surinaamse Kip Kerrieschotel goes well with a range of drinks. A chilled, fruity cocktail or a classic Caribbean beer complements the aromas of the dish nicely. For an alcohol-free option, freshly pressed pineapple or mango juice works beautifully, especially with a squeeze of lime to sharpen it. These drinks round the meal off and add a welcome note of refreshment.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation plays a large part in the overall impression. Serve the curry in a large, shallow bowl with a colourful mound of rice in the middle. Garnish with fresh coriander and a few lime wedges to create a lively contrast of colour. Small details like these make the dish look far more appetising and give the meal a festive feel, particularly alongside a side such as Surinaamse Cassave Chips.
A bit of history
Surinaamse Kip Kerrieschotel is more than just a dish; it tells a story of cultural exchange and influence in Suriname. The country’s cooking is a blend of Indonesian, Indigenous, African and European traditions. Curries were originally introduced by Indian labourers and, over time, wove themselves firmly into everyday Surinamese cuisine. This culinary fusion is a fine example of the variety and singularity of Surinamese culture.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Surinaamse Kip Kerrieschotel
Surinaamse Kip Kerrieschotel is a delicious, aromatic dish that not only pleases the palate but also offers an exciting journey through Surinamese cooking. It is simple to prepare and easily tailored to personal taste. Whether you make it with chicken, vegetables or another alternative, this dish brings the flavours of the Caribbean straight into your kitchen. Give it a go and let those distinctive aromas win you over.
