With this phaal curry recipe, you can make the spiciest, hottest curry in the world with chicken, loads of seasonings, and extra fiery ghost peppers. And, I'll show you how to make it even hotter!
Hottest Curry in the World - Phaal Curry!
It's spicy hot curry in the Chili Pepper Madness kitchen today, my friends, and when I say "spicy hot", I truly mean spicy hot! Why? Because today we're making Phaal Curry, and if you've never tried it, you're in for a wonderful experience.
This is a recipe for true spicy food lovers, so be warned. However, I discuss how you can lower that heat a bit in the Recipe Tips & Notes section below. And also how to make it even hotter!
But first...
What is Phaal Curry?
Phaal curry is considered one of the hottest curries in the world, and the hottest of Indian curries, even hotter than vindaloo. It is a British Asian curry that originated in Birmingham, UK restaurants.
It is often made with fiery habanero peppers or scotch bonnet peppers, though many restaurants are now making it with ghost peppers, which are incredibly hot for most people.
Phaal curry goes by other names and spellings, like phal or phall curry, fall curry, faal or fahl curry or paal curry. It is usually served as a tomato-based curry, which I have done here, and I am using ghost peppers, which not only bring the heat, but a wonderfully fruity flavor that I love.
Let's talk about how to make phaal curry, shall we?
Phaal Curry Ingredients
- Chicken Breast. Or you can use chicken thigh, or lamb.
- Vegetable Oil. For cooking.
- Ghost Peppers. You can sub in habaneros for more manageable heat, or use even milder peppers.
- Other Vegetables. Onion, green onion, garlic.
- Tomatoes. Tomato paste and diced tomatoes.
- Spices. Ginger, curry powder, paprika, cardamom powder, turmeric, cumin, salt and black pepper.
- Chicken Broth or Stock. Vegetable broth or stock is good, too.
- Lime Juice.
- For Serving. Chopped cilantro, spicy chili flakes or parsley, cooked rice.
How to Make Phaal Curry - the Recipe Method
First, season the chopped chicken with a bit of salt and pepper.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok to medium heat.
Add the ghost peppers and onion. Cook them down about 5 minutes, until the peppers and onions have softened. It's a good idea to cook in a well-ventilated room with ghost peppers. I tossed in a couple serrano pepper as well because I love them.
Add the chicken and cook another 2-3 minutes, stirring a bit, until the chicken is mostly cooked through.
Next, add in the garlic, ginger and most of the green onions. Cook another minute, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant.
Add in the curry powder, paprika, cardamom, turmeric and cumin. Give it a stir.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth and stir. Bring to a quick boil and reduce the heat.
Simmer for 15 minutes or more to let the flavors develop, and the chicken to cook through. The curry will thicken up a bit for you.
Serve the spicy chicken curry over prepared white rice, then squeeze a bit of fresh lime juice over the top.
Top with extra green onions, parsley or cilantro, spicy chili flakes and lime slices or wedges.
Boom! Done! Easy curry recipe, isn't it? Most curries are super easy to make, even the hottest curry in the world. Crazy hot! Perfect for my spicy food lover people.
Recipe Tips & Notes
- The Peppers. Most phaal curry recipes will call for hot peppers, like the habanero pepper or scotch bonnet peppers, which are roughly 300,000 Scoville Heat Units on the Scoville Scale. Those are definitely hot, but ghost peppers are very commonly used. Ghost peppers tip the heat scale at over 1 Million SHU. They really bring the heat!
- Lower the Heat. If you're looking for a milder version of this recipe that still has a good heat level, go with a single habanero pepper, but core it out first. Or, you can make it with serrano peppers, which are about 50,000 SHU. Still hot, but not crazy.
- Make it Even Hotter. Want to make this a true "hottest curry in the world" recipe? Make it with Carolina Reaper peppers, the hottest peppers in the world at the moment. Try it with other superhot chili peppers too, like 7-Pot peppers or scorpion peppers. Oh baby! You can also use extra hot chili powders, sauces and seasonings. Light it up!
- The Proteins. I used chunks of chicken breast for this recipe, but it realistically works with any protein. Try it with chicken breast, chicken thigh, chunks of lean pork, shrimp, fish, or tofu.
That's it, my friends. I hope you enjoy my phaall curry recipe. This one will really spice you up! I'd love to hear how it turned out for you. Keep it spicy!
Try Some of My Other Popular Recipes
Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.
Phaal Curry Recipe: The Hottest Curry in the World
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast chopped (or use lamb)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 ghost peppers chopped (use habanero peppers for less intense heat, or use extra hot peppers like 7 Pot peppers, scorpion peppers, or the hottest pepper in the world, the Carolina Reaper, for the hottest phaal curry ever!)
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 4 cloves garlic chopped
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger
- 1 tablespoon curry powder I use 2 tablespoons in mine!
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 14 ounce can diced tomatoes or use equivalent fresh
- 1 cup chicken broth or use vegetable stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice from fresh limes + lime wedges for serving
- Chopped cilantro and spicy chili flakes or parsley for serving
- 2 cups cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Season the chopped chicken with a bit of salt and pepper.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok to medium heat.
- Add the ghost peppers and onion. Cook them down about 5 minutes, until the peppers and onions have softened. It's a good idea to cook in a well-ventilated room with ghost peppers.
- Add the chicken and cook another 2-3 minutes, stirring a bit, until the chicken is mostly cooked through.
- Next, add in the garlic, ginger and most of the green onions. Cook another minute, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant.
- Add in the curry powder, paprika, cardamom, turmeric and cumin. Give it a stir.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth and stir. Bring to a quick boil and reduce the heat. Simmer for 15 minutes or more to let the flavors develop, and the chicken to cook through.
- Serve the spicy chicken curry over prepared white rice, then squeeze a bit of fresh lime juice over the top.
- Top with extra green onions, parsley or cilantro, spicy chili flakes and lime slices or wedges.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Tom says
Hey Mike, I’m planning on making this recipe at the weekend. I have some dried Carolina reapers. Do you think it would be ok to rehydrate them and use as the recipe suggests? So cook them with the onions?
I was also going to stick to 3 reapers. Does this sound ok?
Many thanks,
Tom
Mike Hultquist says
Hey, Tom. Yes, you can do that. Should work fine. Yes, 3 ghost peppers. It will be very spicy this way! If you're concerned, you can try it with just 1 and see how you like it. Let me know how it turns out for you! Enjoy!
Tom says
Hey Mike,
Made the curry tonight, absolutely fantastic recipe! I used a dry carolina reaper, so I crushed it and added it with the rest of the spices. I went for just the 1 reaper to start with, and cooked the onions with some red habeneros at the start (2). The spice was perfect for me, I think anymore would have been too much, the misses loved it too! Thanks for the recipe and response, will be sure to check out more if your recipes 🙂
Mike Hultquist says
Excellent!! Glad you enjoyed it, Tom!
Michael says
I made it with 3 Carolina Reapers bought from the local supermarket here in Oz, came out really good! Got tired of weak curries out of a jar, so googled "spiciest curry ever" and landed here!
Mike H. says
Cheers, Michael. I am glad that you've enjoyed it!
Evelyn says
this has become a favourite in my household! I love to make it with minced lamb and brown scorpion peppers or madame Jeannette. thank you for the amazing recipe!
Mike Hultquist says
Awesome! That's some GREAT heat you got there, Evelyn! I love it!
eddie kirk says
Ohh Yes! This is why I grew Carolina Reapers and Ghostie's, I used 3 Reapers and a Ghostie and it was the hottest curry I've ever eaten. But not only was it super hot but also very very tasty! I used Madras Curry Powder because that's what I had and I think it may have added a bit of extra spice flavor.
The chicken was Devine! I've wanted to make this for years.
Thank You for this recipe, I'll be using this for ever!
Cheers Mike! ️
Mike Hultquist says
Boom! That's some serious heat right there, Eddie! You really know how to spice it up! I love it!
Kimberly says
This was the first recipe I tried from you several months ago…and I have now made it 7 times (as well as several other recipes)! I began making curries 3 years ago and this is by far my most favorite one! I use 2-4 jalapenos, 4-5 Orange Habaneros and sometimes add a couple of Serrano or Tabasco peppers. I really push my family’s ability to handle the spice factor with this one! If they could take Carolina Reapers, I would add those! I also took your great advice and added 2 Tbsp curry powder – I use 1 Tbsp Bolst’s hot and 1 Tbsp Bolst’s mild. This Summer, I was able to use fresh tomatoes from the garden in place of canned. All I can say is, WOW! Thank you for this delicious curry!
Mike Hultquist says
Boom! Dang, Kimberly! I want to eat at your house! You really know how to spice it up! I love it! Thanks for sharing!
Kimberly says
And a huge thank you for all of your great, spicy recipes! I am slowly working my way through them! So far, besides this Phaal, I have made the Easy Chickpea Curry (made 3 times), Bombay Potatoes, Aloo Gobi, Pickled Jalapenos, One Pan Chili Cheese Dip (made twice) and the Rasta Pasta (made 4 times). My family and I have loved every single recipe we have tried from your site! Again, thank you for sharing your incredible recipes with spice! Love them!
Mike Hultquist says
Amazing, Kimberly! I love it! VERY HAPPY you are finding so many recipes you love. Thanks so much for sharing your comments!
Deana Payne says
Also, what spicy chilli flakes do I use? I am in the UK, can you recommend a brand?
Mike Hultquist says
Deana, in the U.S. it's usually cayenne pepper flakes, or something similar. I often make my own. Use whatever you can find, but hopefully you can find nice and spicy, and fresh, ones.
Deana Payne says
How many limes do I use for juice?
Mike Hultquist says
Deana, 1 lime is fine. Just squeeze a little bit over the top of your curry for a refreshing pop of citrus. Enjoy!
pajonk says
I was wondering, if i,m gonna triple this recipe should I just 3x as written or would it be to liquidy? PLanning on making tomorrow....
Mike Hultquist says
You can just triple the ingredients, but I would use only 2 cups of broth/stock, then add more if needed later on. Let me know how it turns out for you. Enjoy.
Christopher says
Hi, great recipe, turned out really well with a great taste, the only problem is I had to use 3 habernero chilli's, ghost chilli are as easy to get in Melbourne, I think I will use 2 Carolina reaper then try 3 if it's not enough.
First time I tried one of your recipes
Thanks again
Mike Hultquist says
Boom! That's some great heat with Reapers. I'm sure you'll enjoy it! You are a true chilihead.
Beth says
I made this tonight to use up some tomatoes (since they are all reddening at once this year!) It is FANTASTIC. Don’t have any ghosts yet so I used seven habaneros, and took the two tbsp curry recommendation. I’m the only one in my household that can eat this spicy, so I have three portions left to freeze. New favorite.
Mike Hultquist says
Wow, boom! I love it, Beth! 7 habaneros! You are a TRUE chilihead. Nice. Glad you enjoyed it!
Heidi Register says
I'm making this tonight for my spice-loving husband and I but had one question for the future, what onion type are we talking about for use in this recipe? I have both red and white on hand and sided with the white onion on tonight's trial run but was curious what you use typically!
Thank you for the great share, and we finally can use our homegrown ghost peppers!
Mike Hultquist says
Excellent! Glad you enjoyed it, Heidi! I use either yellow or white onions (or sweet). Red will work, but yellow or white are preferred. Yes to ghost peppers!! Yay!
Robert Graham says
Tried your take on Phall.
Certainly hits the spot.
I added jaggery to mine.
Made it in to a lamb Pathia on steroids.
Gorgeous.
Mike Hultquist says
Glad you enjoyed it, Robert.
Mike says
sounds a silly question. should I be able to get the ingredients from Morrisons?
Mike Hultquist says
Mike, not sure about that store, but you should be able at a typical grocery store.
Blackfel says
Hello Mike, I am considering making this recipe sometime next week as I have been in the mood for some spicy curry, but am not particularly interested in going out to a restaurant.
Unfortunately however, we have already processed down all of our Ghost Peppers from the garden into a dried powder. Would you say that having fresh peppers is an integral part of the dish, or would simply adding some of the powder at the same stage of the rest of the spices have a roughly analogous result? If so, about how much powder would you recommend using as a substitute?
In any case, thank you for recipe, and for all the other wonderful information you post here. 🙂
Mike Hultquist says
I would use other fresh peppers in place of the fresh ghost peppers, then add 1 tsp ghost powder with the other seasonings. You can adjust from there. Let me know how it goes. Enjoy!
Fredy Forster says
Mike, I cooked this PhalCurry today, using four habanero peppers, one Carolina reaper, two Cayenne peppers, two Chili Arbol peppers, one teaspoon Kashmiri pepper and one teaspoon of my own mix of "ghost peppers, scorpion peppers, mutant X peppers, chocolate habanero peppers and big mustard mama peppers".
It turned out absolutely wonderful, great taste and some serious heat. Thanks for this great recipe.
Will definitely do this again.
Mike H. says
I am glad that you are enjoying it, Fredy. Thank you!
Loz says
No fennel seeds?
Mike Hultquist says
Why not? It's YOUR recipe now. Enjoy!
james scott says
This was so so so good. One of the best curries I've made, a beautifully spiced! Next time I think I'll go even hotter 😉
Thanks mate.
Mike Hultquist says
Glad you enjoyed it, James! Thanks for sharing!
Titleist says
I loved it. 3 ghost peppers (my homegrown variant was the hottest I ever grew, hotter than my Reaper) was just right. Any more and it would have been impossible to discern the finer tastes, less and it would have been just another ordinary hot Indian dish. I think this one needs heat. I took lamb. My curry powder was one I got from an Indian chef a while ago and it is in itself hot and spicy. Really nice recipe with the right touch.
I have seen other stupid recipes of Phaal on the net with 8 Bhuts and a lot of extra hot powder on top. If you don't like food, I recommend eating the ghost peppers raw - should not taste much different.
I'll be back here.
Greetings from Munich, Germany
Mike Hultquist says
I hear you! I love the flavor first, then the heat. Thanks for sharing!!
Your Spiced says
phaal curry i tired your recipe for the first time.it is really good and yummy
Chris says
This was an excellent recipe! I wanted to get some Phaal but I couldn’t find a single Indian restaurant in the entire state that made it. So this was the only real option for enjoying Phaal. I ordered ghost peppers from Ghostly Hots (they grow and sell ghost peppers all year, including in the winter if you want a place to recommend to people for getting fresh ghost peppers).
I made this with 4 ghost peppers, 3 habaneros, and I put in a 1/4 teaspoon of each of the pepper powders I used in this (Reaper, Scorpion, Ghost, and Habanero).
It tasted great but the flavor of 4 ghosts was a little bit overpowering. Next time I’ll use 3 ghosts, 3 scotch bonnets (better flavor and mouth feel), and 1-2 Carolina Reapers (more fruity and floral flavors). As well as less turmeric and more cumin.
Thanks for this recipe, this was great!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Awesome, Chris. Yeah, you got some REAL heat there! I appreciate you sharing your comments! Enjoy!!
John Wrosch says
I made using 5 ghost peppers and two habanaros. Was good an decently spicy. Will make again.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Nice. That'll bring the heat for sure, John! I love it.
Gino says
Wow what ahot curry I decided to add 4 ghost chillies and hot scotch 4 of too and scorpion chillies my arse hasn't stopped burning for two days I will decently try that curry again thanx
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Yeah, that'll really spice it up for you, Gino! Glad you enjoyed it, burning booty and all!
Seth Rolfe says
We use 2 1/2 dining sppons of carolina reaper. Cooking it is like a chemical weapon attack, but the actual curry is divine!
Stew says
Hi Michael
Is your phaal recipe in any of your books?
The best phaal I ever had was in the Indian Restaurant at the Railway Pub in Westbury on Severn in the Forest of Dean, England, and I am trying to recreate it?
Stew
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Hi, Stew. I do not. This is my personal recipe, though there are different ways to make it. I wish I could try the version at the Railway Pub!
James says
I have not made it yet but wanted to ask if dried, flakey Carolina reapers would be just as good, I want it to taste hot and nice but couldn’t get hold of fresh ones, will dried ones ruin the dish? And how many dried Carolinas should I use?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
James, absolutely. Some nice chili flakes will do GREAT here. I would start with 1/2 of one, but really use to your heat preference. Let me know how it turns out for you.
Beto says
Used habaneros so 12 year-old could try. He loved i!! Came out spectacular. Must try with the ghost peppers next time!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Excellent, Beto! Glad he enjoyed it. Let me know how it turns out with the ghosts!
Ben says
First of all, a confession. I can't get ghost peppers or any other super spicy ones where I am BUT I liked the look of the recipe. I just made it and it was AMAZING! Couple of things I would do differently next time; fry off the onions a little longer as they still had a little crunch at the end (I like that, but others who I cook for don't), I added 20 green chillies, 1 tsp of chilli powder and a sprinkling of chilli flakes (I find chilli in different forms hits in different ways), I would also add a little ground coriander and garam massala at the end for some extra notes. Oh, also, I made double but the cardomom was overpowering, next time I would reduce that. I also added 1 tsp of salt and 1 tsp of black pepper...delish!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Ben. Yes, happy that you can adjust to your own personal tastes! I do that with recipes all the time. Best way to cook!
Mike Walsh says
Used one reaper, one armagedon and two habernaro chillies. Added chickpeas and potatoes. It was hot!!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Yes! Those will really bring the heat! I love it.
Michael says
Really nice simple recipe
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Michael!
Viktor says
I made this yesterday for me and my friend and ive gotta say that it was delicious! I used dried Trinidad Scorpions and Carolina Reapers which might have had a somewhat negative impact on the level of heat but, it was still super hot.
I will definitely make it again and add more peppers.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Awesome, Viktor! Nice and hot there! I love it.
James says
Excellent recipe. Super simple. I used 3 scotch bonnet and added peas and spinach for a bit of greenery. Spicy, healthy and delicious
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Wonderful!
Mick says
I'm gonna try this soon as I love hot curry would it work OK in the slow cooker?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Absolutely, Mick! Let me know how it turns out for you! Enjoy.
Kevin says
Wow
Followed it to the letter and my word that combined flavour and heat really gets your attention.
Used ghost chilliest as per recipe, may work up to Carolina reaper if I can. What’s the next step up from ghost?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Great, Kevin! Thanks. Many peppers hotter than ghosts. Check out my Superhot Chili Peppers List (https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/chili-pepper-types/superhot-chili-peppers/) and my post on the Hottest Peppers in the World: https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/frequently-asked-questions/what-are-the-world-s-hottest-chili-peppers/
Elaine says
This was easy to follow which I appreciate as someone who’s newer to cooking. I made this with tofu and used puréed fresh tomatoes and it turned out great. Love the spiciness!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Elaine! Glad you enjoyed it!
Brad in Boise, ID says
(No rating because I haven't made it yet). Michael, what is the primary difference between phall and vindaloo? Is it just the vinegar marinade/flavor? The ingredients seem very similar, apart from the vinegar.
Thanks,
Brad
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Brad, they are very similar recipes. It's really more about the heat than anything as most places. I hope you enjoy it. Make it as spicy as you'd like.
Candie says
This is good, but suicidal HOT! I had to make changes. I didn't want to use Ghost Peppers or habaneros because I just can't handle that level of heat. But, no store where I live has fresh chilies in stock, let alone anything milder like serranos. I thought about adding more hot Hungarian paprika, but then it would have been more like Chicken paprikash than a curry. So, back to the habanero. I had a can of Rotel tomatoes with Habanero which I used. I had maybe 2-3 sips, the rest of of it I donated to my husband. He liked it, thought it was very hot too. I had to turn on AC for him.
I will make this again if I can find milder chilies.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Candie. Yep, this isn't called the Hottest Curry in the World for nothing! Haha. Crazy heat! You can definitely dial it back with milder peppers, or try some of my other curries that aren't quite so hot. Take care, and thanks for commenting!
Hollis Ramsey says
I want to make this and just got back from shopping with everything I need. I have ghost peppers, but they’re dried.
(1) Are dried peppers hotter than fresh?
(2) How do I proceed when using dried peppers? Id est, do I cut them into small mince? do I deseed them (I like to keep seeds, as a general rule)? when do I add them in?
I swear, Mike, I’m actually salivating as I write this! Thanks so much for keeping things really hot and yummy.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Great, Hollis. Dried peppers aren't hotter than fresh, though will have good heat for sure. You can either rehydrate them in some hot water and chop them into the dish, or crush them and swirl them in with the seasonings. You can deseed if you want but you don't have to. I usually don't. Let me know how it turns out for you!
Hollis Ramsey says
Thanks, Mike. I think I’ll rehydrate them in some of the hot chicken stock and chop them up, and use the rehydrated stock in the dish. Also, what if I use harissa instead of tomato paste? Harissa wouldn’t mess with the curry’s flavor profile, would it, since it goes with all the other spices … or does it? I’m making it today; I probably won’t have your answer by the time I fire up the stove, so I’ll let you know how (hot) it turns out. and I’m making cilantro rice to go with it.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Great, Hollis. Harissa would be good, I think, but does have the potential to change the overall flavor, depending on the peppers and spices used to make it. Please let me know how it turns out for you. Enjoy.
Jeremie says
Hot, hot, hot! Awesome hotness, here, Mike ! I allowed myself a little adaptations to your recipe: not oil, but rather ghee; and I added little garam masala and some ground fennel seeds.
This was soooo good with our beloved Ghost Pepper!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
There you go, Jeremie! I knew this one would be right up your alley!
Jeremie says
This time I follow your recipe, but with lamb and one red savina per person... really hot! lamb loved to be cooked like that I guess! Thanks again, Mike!