Authentic Chettinad Chicken Curry (Kozhi Kuzhambu) Recipe

Chettinadu Kozhi Kuzhambu Recipe (Chettinad Chicken Curry)

Chettinadu cuisine is one of the most celebrated food traditions of Tamil Nadu, known for its aromatic spices and rich, flavorful dishes. The Chettinadu Kozhi Kuzhambu, or Chettinad Chicken Curry, is an iconic recipe from this region. It is a hearty, flavorful curry made with tender chicken pieces cooked in a spiced gravy of shallots, tomatoes, and a unique blend of South Indian spices. The addition of tamarind juice gives it a tangy twist, making it perfect to pair with steamed rice or Indian breads. Let’s take a deeper dive into this amazing recipe and recreate the magic of Chettinad cuisine in your own kitchen!

Ingredients

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings: 4

Cuisine: Chettinad

Course: Dinner

Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

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   • Begin by thoroughly cleaning the chicken pieces and draining any excess water.
   • Add 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder to the chicken and pour in enough water to immerse the pieces fully. Let it sit for 10 minutes. This will help to remove any unwanted smell from the chicken.
   • After 10 minutes, drain the turmeric water and marinate the chicken with a pinch of salt. This step is important to achieve the clean, fresh flavor of the chicken.

2. Cook the Base:

   • In a large wok or kadai, heat 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil over medium flame.
   • Add finely chopped shallots and sauté them until they turn soft and slightly golden brown.
   • Add 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste to the onions and sauté for another 2 minutes, cooking until the raw smell of the paste disappears.
   • Now, add 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds, 2 sprigs of curry leaves, 4 dry red chilies, and 3 green chilies. Stir-fry for about 1 minute, letting the spices release their aromatic flavors.

3. Add Tomatoes and Cook:

   • Add 1 chopped tomato to the mixture and cook until the tomatoes turn soft and mushy. This will form a flavorful base for your curry.

4. Cook the Chicken:

   • Once the tomatoes are cooked, add the marinated chicken to the wok. Sauté the chicken for 3-5 minutes, ensuring it is coated well with the onion-tomato mixture.

5. Add Spices and Mix:

   • Add the following spice powders to the chicken mixture:
     • 1 teaspoon fennel powder (roasted)
     • 1 tablespoon coriander powder (dhania)
     • 2 tablespoons red chili powder
     • 1 teaspoon black pepper powder
   • Mix everything together and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the spices to blend in well with the chicken.

6. Simmer the Curry:

   • Now, add salt to taste and 1/2 cup of water. Stir well and cover the wok. Let the chicken cook on medium-low heat until it is about 3/4 cooked, which should take around 15 minutes.

7. Add Tamarind Water:

   • After the chicken is partially cooked, pour in the tamarind water. Mix everything well, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the curry to simmer gently for about 10 minutes, so the flavors meld together and the chicken becomes fully cooked.

8. Garnish and Serve:

   • Once the curry is cooked, turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and a few more curry leaves for added flavor.
   • Serve the Chettinadu Kozhi Kuzhambu hot with steamed rice or spicy Chettinad Fish Fry for a full meal. You can also serve it with Indian breads like roti or naan.

Tips for Perfect Chettinadu Kozhi Kuzhambu:

• Marinate the chicken well: The step of marinating the chicken with turmeric and salt ensures that the curry is aromatic and the chicken is tender.
• Spices: Chettinad cooking is all about balance. You can adjust the red chili powder and black pepper powder based on your spice tolerance.
• Tamarind juice: The tangy flavor of tamarind is essential to this dish, so don’t skip this ingredient. Adjust the amount to suit your preference for tanginess.
• Slow cooking: Simmer the curry on low heat for the best results. This allows the chicken to absorb all the rich spices and flavors.
• Consistency: If you prefer a thicker curry, reduce the amount of water you add. If you like it more soupy, you can add extra water to adjust the consistency.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Enjoy your Chettinadu Kozhi Kuzhambu as part of a hearty, flavorful meal that brings the authentic taste of Tamil Nadu into your home! This aromatic chicken curry will surely become a favorite in your dinner rotation.