Chicken Chettinad

It's so difficult to imagine that even after being born and bought up in India I haven't really tried and tasted so many traditional dishes. It's only when you travel you learn so much about your origin, different cultures, religions and food habits about your own country. This recipe is one such find that surprised me with its flavors and cooking technique.

Chicken Chettinad

                         Chicken Chettinad

Ingredients:

1 Chicken cut into medium sized pieces
1 bunch curry leaves
2 medium onions chopped
2 large tomatoes chopped
1 teaspoon each of red chilli and turmeric powders
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons oil
2 cups water
Salt to taste
Finely chopped coriander leaves for garnishing

For paste: 
2 teaspoons poppy seeds (khus khus)
4 whole dry red chillies (Reduce this for less heat)
1 cup grated fresh coconut
1 teaspoon each of coriander, cumin and fennel seeds
1" piece cinnamon broken
2 cloves and green cardamoms each 

Directions:

1. In a little hot oil roast greeted coconut, cumin, coriander and fennel seeds. 
2. Add the dry red chillies, cinnamon, clove and the cardamom. Allow to cool.
3. Add the poppy seeds, ginger and garlic. Put everything in a blender and make a paste.
4. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan till it smokes and add the chopped onions and sauté till golden brown. 
5. Add the curry leaves and sauté for 1 minute.
6. Add the ground paste, turmeric and red chilli powders and fry till the oil separates.
7. Next add the chopped tomatoes and cook till the oil starts separate.
8. Finally add the chicken and mix well. Cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes.
9. Add the lemon juice and Sprinkle little salt.
10. Now pour in about 2 cups of hot water.
11. Put the lid on and cook on low heat for about 20 minutes.
12. Check the seasoning and adjust salt.
13. If chicken is cooked by now sprinkle chopped fresh coriander.
14. Cook without lid on high flame for 30 seconds and bring it to desired consistency.
15. Serve hot with Rice or Dosa or Neer Dosa.

Tip: Do not pour in cold water on chicken pieces otherwise the chicken will become chewy :)