Chicken Chettinad

chicken_chettinad

Indian cuisine is known for its diverse range of flavors and spices, with each region of the country having its own unique style of cooking. One such delicious dish is the Chicken Chettinad - a Southern Indian delicacy that is guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds.

Hailing from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu, Chicken Chettinad is a spicy and aromaticchicken currythat is typically consumed with rice or roti. The main ingredients in this recipe include chicken, onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and a blend of flavorful spices such as cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, fennel seeds, and coriander seeds.

Unlike other Indian curries, Chicken Chettinad doesn’t use cream or yogurt as a base. Instead, the gravy is made using freshly ground coconut, poppy seeds, and roasted peanuts, which gives it a rich and creamy texture. The use of traditional spices in this recipe results in a complex flavor profile that is both savory and spicy.

The preparation of this dish may seem tedious, but the end result is well worth the effort. The chicken is marinated overnight with a blend of spices and then cooked in a rich onion and tomato gravy that is flavored with spices such as bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. The addition of coconut, poppy, and peanut paste to the dish gives it a unique and distinct taste that sets it apart from other chicken curries.

The heat level of Chicken Chettinad can be adjusted according to your taste preferences. The recipe uses dried red chilies, but if you prefer a milder version, you can adjust the amount of chilies or use milder chilies such as Kashmiri red chilies. Be prepared for a mouthwatering experience, as this curry will leave your taste buds tingling with its explosive mix of spices.

This dish is popularly served in South Indian restaurants and is a favorite among food enthusiasts worldwide. The spicychicken curryis the perfect weekday dinner option and can be easily made in a pressure cooker or a slow cooker.

In conclusion, Chicken Chettinad is a classic Indian recipe that is packed with flavor and spices. It is a must-try for anyone who enjoys indulging in exotic and flavorful dishes. With its combination of heat, tangy tomatoes, and rich spices, it is no wonder that this dish has become a staple in South Indian cuisine. So, the next time you are feeling adventurous, give this recipe a try and treat yourself to a mouthwatering culinary experience.

Ingredients:

  • 1kg chicken pieces
  • 2 onions, sliced thinly
  • 4-5 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 2-3 green chillies, slit
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 2 tbsp coriander seeds
  • 1 tbsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp fennel seeds
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp red chilli powder
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves

Method:

  1. Roast the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds and black pepper in a pan on low to medium heat till they are fragrant and lightly toasted. Allow it to cool.
  2. Grind these spices to a fine powder.
  3. Heat oil in a large pan, add onions and sauté till they are translucent.
  4. Add ginger, garlic, green chillies and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add tomatoes and fry till they are soft and mushy.
  6. Now, add the roasted spice powder, turmeric powder, red chilli powder and salt. Fry for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Add the chicken pieces and fry for a few minutes till it changes colour.
  8. Add 1-2 cups of water, cover and cook on medium flame for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked.
  9. Once the chicken is cooked, add coconut milk and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the gravy thickens.
  10. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
  11. Serve hot with steamed rice or naan.