Chicken Chettinad
8 medium sized pieces (about 800 grams) of chicken
8 curry leaves (big)
2 medium onion(s) chopped
2 large tomato(es) chopped
1 teaspoon(s) each of red chilli and turmeric powders
2 teaspoon(s) lemon juice
2 tablespoon(s) oil
2 cup(s) water
salt to taste
finely chopped coriander leaves for garnishing For the Paste
2 teaspoon(s) poppy seeds (khus khus)
6 whole red chillies
6 tablespoons grated coconut (optional)
1 teaspoon(s) each of coriander, cumin and fennel seeds
1" piece cinnamon broken
2 cloves and green cardamoms each
2 teaspoon(s) each of chopped ginger and garlic
In a little hot oil roast all the ingredients for the paste except for ginger
and garlic. Allow to cool and grind to a paste along with ginger and garlic.
Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan on medium level till hot and fry the chopped
onions till they are golden brown. Add the curry leaves, the ground paste ,
turmeric and red chilli powders. Fry for some more time. Add the chopped
tomatoes and fry for about 2 minute(s) or till the oil leaves the sides of the
pan. Add the chicken and mix well. Cook on medium level for about 5 minutes. Add
the lemon juice and water. Sprinkle salt to taste. Mix well. Cover and cook on
low heat for about 20 minutes or till the chicken is fully tenderised. Garnish
with finely chopped coriander leaves.