Chettinad Muttai Masala Recipe
Chettinad Muttai Masala is a delightful South Indian dish that offers a perfect blend of spices and flavors, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the Chettinad region in Tamil Nadu. The star ingredient of this recipe is eggs, which are hard-boiled and then enveloped in a spicy and aromatic masala. This dish can be served with steamed rice or flatbreads, making it a versatile choice for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Eggs (hard-boiled) | 4 |
| Onion (sliced thin) | 1 cup |
| Tomato (sliced thin) | 1 |
| Coriander Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chili Powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Cinnamon Stick | 1 |
| Cloves | 2 |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Coriander Seeds | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Ginger | 2 inches |
| Grated Coconut | 3 tablespoons |
| Fennel Seeds | 2 teaspoons |
| Whole Black Pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Poppy Seeds | 2 teaspoons |
| Cumin Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried Red Chili | 1 |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings
- Servings: 4
Instructions
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Boil the Eggs: To start preparing Chettinad Muttai Masala, place the eggs in a saucepan filled with water. Allow them to boil for about 10 to 12 minutes until they are hard-boiled. Once cooked, remove them from the water, peel off the shells, and set them aside.
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Prepare the Spice Mixture: In a pan, heat it over medium flame. Add the coriander seeds, garlic, ginger, grated coconut, fennel seeds, whole black pepper, poppy seeds, cumin seeds, and dried red chili. Sauté these ingredients for about 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant. Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly before transferring it to a blender. Add a little water and blend until you achieve a smooth paste. Your Chettinad masala is now ready.
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Cook the Base: In the same pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the cinnamon stick and cloves, allowing them to sizzle for about 10 seconds. Next, add the sliced onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent.
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Add Tomatoes: Once the onions are tender, introduce the sliced tomatoes into the pan. Cook them until they are soft and start to break down.
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Incorporate the Chettinad Masala: Now, add the prepared Chettinad masala to the pan. Allow the mixture to cook for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
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Spice It Up: After 5 minutes, sprinkle in the coriander powder, red chili powder, and garam masala powder. Stir well and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring the spices are well incorporated.
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Finalize the Gravy: Add ½ cup of water along with salt to taste, stirring everything together. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 3 minutes, letting the gravy thicken slightly.
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Add the Eggs: Carefully slice the hard-boiled eggs in half and gently place them into the gravy. Let them simmer for another minute, allowing the eggs to absorb the flavors.
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Garnish and Serve: Finally, garnish the Chettinad Muttai Masala with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with steamed jeera rice, tawa paratha, or a refreshing kachumber salad.
This Chettinad Muttai Masala is sure to be a hit, offering a burst of flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of South India. Enjoy this flavorful dish with your family and friends, and savor the essence of traditional Chettinad cuisine!
