Aclassic Kerala Chicken Curry recipe that you can try:
Ingredients:
- 500g chicken, cleaned and cut into pieces
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, slit
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or any cooking oil of your choice)
- Salt to taste
For the Spice Paste:
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 teaspoons coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds (saunf)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
- 3-4 cloves
- 3-4 green cardamom pods
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 1-2 tablespoons water (to make a paste)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix all the spice paste ingredients with water to form a smooth paste. Set it aside.
2. In a large pot or pan, heat the coconut oil over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
4. Stir in the grated ginger and minced garlic. Continue to sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears.
5. Now, add the spice paste and cook it with the onions, ginger, and garlic for about 2-3 minutes until the oil starts to separate from the mixture. Keep stirring to prevent sticking.
6. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and the oil separates further.
7. Now, add the chicken pieces, green chilies, and curry leaves. Mix well to coat the chicken with the spice mixture.
8. Pour in the coconut milk and add salt to taste. Mix everything together.
9. Cover the pot and let the chicken cook over low to medium heat for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
10. Check the seasoning and adjust salt and spices if needed.
11. Once the chicken is cooked and the curry has thickened to your desired consistency, remove from heat.
12. Garnish with some fresh curry leaves and serve hot with steamed rice, appam (a traditional Kerala pancake), or paratha.
Enjoy your delicious Kerala Chicken Curry! Adjust the spiciness and seasoning according to your preference. Kerala cuisine is known for its bold flavors, so don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking!