Spicy, aromatic South Indian chicken curry made with roasted spices and coconut. Perfect with rice, dosa, or paratha.
🧂 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
500 g chicken (bone-in or boneless)
1½ tbsp oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tomato, chopped
1 sprig curry leaves
Salt to taste
Coriander & curry leaves (for garnish)
🔥 For the Chettinad Masala (dry roast and grind):
1 tbsp coriander seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp fennel seeds
4–5 dried red chilies (adjust to taste)
4–5 black peppercorns
2–3 cloves
1-inch cinnamon stick
2 green cardamoms
1 tsp poppy seeds (optional)
2 tbsp grated coconut (fresh or desiccated)
1 tsp oil (to roast the coconut)
🧑🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Chettinad Masala
Dry roast all whole spices except coconut on low heat until aromatic.
Add coconut with a little oil and roast until golden.
Let cool and grind into a coarse paste with a little water. Set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a pan. Add curry leaves and chopped onion. Sauté till golden brown.
Add chopped tomato and cook till soft and mushy.
Add the ground Chettinad masala and cook till oil separates (3–5 mins).
Add chicken pieces and salt. Mix well to coat the chicken with the masala.
Add a splash of water (½ cup) and cover. Cook for 15–20 minutes until chicken is tender and flavorful.
Open lid and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to thicken the curry.
🍽️ To Serve:
Garnish with fresh coriander or curry leaves. Serve hot with:
Steamed rice
Ghee rice
Parotta or dosa
🔥 Spice Lover’s Tip:
Want it smokier? Add a touch of smoked paprika or a small piece of star anise to the masala while grinding.
🌿 Authentic Flavor, Welza Style
Welza Whole Spices – Freshly packed for authentic South Indian cooking.
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