Kongu Style Chicken Curry

Have you ever had rice cakes (Idli) and Rice crepes (Dosa) from South Indian restaurants?Even if you have, I would imagine the accompaniments were more likely to be vegetarian dishes. If you are after a proper south Indian meal, I would recommend this absolute killer of a combination: ‘Rice cakes/Crepes + Chicken curry’.

Chicken Curry

I am going to cook this special Chicken curry for a perfect meal with Idli and Dosa, and soon I will publish a post on easy ways to prepare steam Rice cakes too.

Ingredients

• 250g Chicken cut into small pieces (bone-in)
• 1 medium-sized onion chopped
• 7 to 8 shallots
• 1/2 fresh cup coconut cut into cubes
• 3 tbsp coriander powder
• 1 tbsp chilli powder/paprika (if you prefer your curry less spicy use paprika)
• 2 to 3 red chillies (Feel free to avoid this ingredient for a milder curry)
• 1 chopped large-sized tomato
• Mustard seeds & Fennel seeds,1 to 2 cinnamon sticks, 2 Bay leaves – For tempering
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 1/2 tbsp fresh ginger-garlic paste
• 2 sprigs of curry leaves (Optional)
• 2 tbsp rapeseed oil
• Salt to taste

Method

1. Place the saucepan/frying pan over a medium heat and add in 1tbsp of oil. Now throw in the red chillies, coconut cubes and shallots. Saute this for a few minutes and take the pan off the heat.
2. Now transfer the mixture into the blender and then add in coriander & chilli powder, blend the masala mixture to a smooth paste by adding enough water.
3. Place the pan again over a medium heat and drizzle some oil/butter. Add in the tempering ingredients and then throw in the chopped onions. Saute for a few seconds until translucant.
4. Tip in the ginger-garlic paste, saute for a minute and then add in tomatoes and turmeric powder. Cook for a few minutes and tip in chicken pieces as well as requied  salt. Place the lid and cook for a few minutes.
5. Now add in the masala paste with 1/2 to 1 cup of water(according to the desired consistency) and cook it on a medium-low flame for next 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Add some fresh coriander & curry leaves for garnishing and enjoy with Idli/Dosa or Rice.