Kerala Chicken Curry Recipe with Freshly Ground Spices
Discover the rich and aromatic flavors of Kerala with this delectable Chicken Curry recipe, which showcases the essence of freshly ground spices. Perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner, this curry is not only satisfying but also offers a glimpse into the vibrant culinary traditions of Kerala. Serve it alongside Kerala Style Appam or Ghee Rice for a complete meal that promises to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken (medium-sized pieces) | 500 grams |
| Onion (roughly chopped) | 1 large |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 inch |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 6 cloves |
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 8 leaves |
| Coconut oil | As required |
| Salt | To taste |
| Coconut milk (or grated fresh coconut) | 1/2 cup |
| Whole black peppercorns | 1 tablespoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Fennel seeds (Saunf) | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry red chilies | 2 |
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 380 |
| Protein | 25 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 15 grams |
| Fat | 28 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sodium | Varies with salt added |
Preparation Time
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 10 mins |
| Cooking | 45 mins |
| Total Time | 55 mins |
Servings
| Servings |
|---|
| 4 |
Cuisine & Course
| Cuisine | Course |
|---|---|
| Kerala Recipes | Lunch |
Diet
| Diet Type |
|---|
| Non-Vegetarian |
Instructions
Marination and Spice Preparation
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Marinate the Chicken: Begin by preparing the chicken. Marinate the chicken pieces with yogurt (curd) and salt, ensuring they are well coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 2 hours to tenderize and infuse flavor into the meat.
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Prepare the Fresh Spice Masala: In a shallow frying pan, add the whole black peppercorns, coriander seeds, cinnamon stick, fennel seeds, and dry red chilies. Dry roast these spices on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes until they release their aromatic fragrance. Be careful not to burn them. Once roasted, remove from heat and let them cool before grinding them into a coarse powder using a mixer-grinder. This fresh masala will be the star of your curry.
Cooking the Curry
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Heat the Oil: In a kadai (wok), heat sufficient coconut oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds. When they begin to splutter, add the roughly chopped onion and curry leaves. Sauté until the onions become lightly browned, releasing their sweetness and flavor into the oil.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Once the onions are golden, add the grated ginger and finely chopped garlic to the pan. Sauté for about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
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Add the Chicken: Incorporate the marinated chicken pieces into the pan, along with half of the freshly ground masala and salt to taste. If you’re using grated or desiccated coconut, add it at this stage. Stir well to combine all ingredients, ensuring the chicken is coated with the spices and aromatics.
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Simmer the Chicken: Cover the kadai with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the chicken to simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the bottom from charring. The chicken should be almost cooked through at this point.
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Incorporate Coconut Milk: If you’re using coconut milk, add it now and stir well. Allow the curry to simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This step will enrich the dish with creamy goodness and help the flavors meld together beautifully.
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Finishing Touches: Finally, add the reserved half of the ground masala to the curry and stir well to integrate the spices. Cover the curry again and let it sit for an additional 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to deepen and ensures a fragrant, flavorful dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Kerala Chicken Curry hot, garnished with fresh coriander if desired, alongside traditional Kerala Style Appam or Ghee Rice (Neychoru) for a delightful meal. You can also pair it with Meen Varuthathu (Kerala Style Fish Fry) for a complete culinary experience that highlights the authentic flavors of Kerala. Enjoy every bite of this flavorful, spice-laden dish that brings the taste of Kerala to your dining table!
Tips for the Perfect Kerala Chicken Curry:
- Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, always use freshly roasted and ground spices.
- Coconut Alternatives: If fresh coconut is unavailable, high-quality canned coconut milk can be a good substitute.
- Adjusting Heat: You can control the spice level by adjusting the number of dry red chilies based on your preference.
- Marination Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful and tender it will become, so consider marinating overnight if you have the time.
Indulge in this authentic Kerala Chicken Curry, where each spoonful transports you to the lush landscapes and rich culinary heritage of Kerala. Happy cooking!
