Karuveppilai Chicken Fry Recipe – Curry Leaf Flavoured Chicken
If you’re a fan of rich, aromatic South Indian flavors, this Karuveppilai Chicken Fry will be an instant favorite. Inspired by the cuisine of Tamil Nadu, this appetizer offers a perfect balance of tender chicken pieces, infused with the bold essence of curry leaves, aromatic spices, and the warmth of freshly ground masala. It’s an ideal dish to serve on a cozy evening or to impress guests at your next gathering. This recipe is bursting with the unique flavor profile that makes it a cherished dish in South Indian kitchens.
Ingredients for Karuveppilai Chicken Fry Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken (cut into pieces) | 500 grams |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Ginger (chopped) | 1-inch piece |
| Garlic (chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Green Chillies (slit) | 2 |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 tbsp |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh Coriander Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Sunflower Oil | As required |
| Curry Leaves | 4 sprigs |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1-inch piece |
| Star Anise | 1 |
| Cardamom Pods/Seeds | 1 |
| Stone Flower (Kalpasi) | 2 |
| Fennel Seeds (Saunf) | 2 tsp |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1 tsp |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Tamil Nadu
Course: Appetizer
Diet: High Protein, Non-Vegetarian
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Karuveppilai Masala
- Begin by washing and cleaning the chicken thoroughly. Set it aside to drain excess water.
- For the special Karuveppilai Masala, heat a skillet over low flame. Add curry leaves, cinnamon stick, star anise, cardamom pods, stone flower, fennel seeds, dry red chillies, and black peppercorns to the pan.
- Dry roast these spices for about 5-7 minutes until they become aromatic. The roasted spices should release a fragrant, savory scent.
- Turn off the heat, allow the spices to cool to room temperature, and then grind them into a smooth powder using a mixer-grinder. Set this freshly ground Karuveppilai Masala aside.
2. Cooking the Chicken
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat some sunflower oil over medium flame. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped ginger and garlic. Sauté them for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden brown.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Toss in the green chillies and the chicken pieces. Add turmeric powder and stir the ingredients until the chicken is halfway cooked, turning slightly golden on the outside.
3. Infuse the Flavors
- Now, add the freshly ground Karuveppilai Masala and coriander powder to the chicken. Stir well to coat the chicken pieces evenly with the spice mixture.
- Season with salt to taste. Continue roasting the chicken, allowing it to cook completely and absorb the masala. If the spices start to stick to the bottom of the pan, you can sprinkle a little water to deglaze the pan.
- Cover the pan and let the chicken cook for an additional 2 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
4. Finishing Touches
- Once the chicken is cooked and the masala has nicely coated the pieces, remove the lid and give it a final stir.
- Garnish with fresh chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness and flavor.
- Serve the Karuveppilai Chicken Fry hot.
Serving Suggestions
- As an Appetizer: Enjoy this delightful chicken fry as a starter with a chilled glass of beer. The bold spices and tender chicken make for a perfect pairing.
- For a South Indian Feast: Serve alongside Steamed Rice, a refreshing Chettinad Style Poondu Rasam (Garlic Rasam), and a crispy Elai Vadam (a type of South Indian crispy snack). This combination will bring the essence of Tamil Nadu to your table, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Value per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 250 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Fats | 12g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
| Vitamin A | 15% Daily Value |
| Vitamin C | 20% Daily Value |
| Iron | 10% Daily Value |
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Levels: If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add more dry red chillies or black pepper powder to the masala.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with tofu or cauliflower for a plant-based variation of this flavorful dish.
- Curry Leaf Use: Fresh curry leaves are a key ingredient in this recipe. Their flavor is what gives the dish its signature taste, so be sure to use them generously for an authentic experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Karuveppilai Chicken Fry brings together the warmth of freshly roasted spices, the tang of curry leaves, and the rich texture of chicken, offering a satisfying and aromatic dish. Whether you are preparing it as an appetizer or as part of a larger meal, it will leave your taste buds craving more. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the robust flavors makes this recipe a great way to introduce South Indian cuisine to your dinner table. Enjoy the vibrant taste of Tamil Nadu in every bite!
