Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Dry Roast Spices for Masala

   Take a pan and add 2 tablespoons of coriander seeds, 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds, 3 tablespoons of peppercorns, and 2 red chillies. Dry roast these ingredients on medium flame for about 3 minutes until they release a lovely aroma.

2. 2.Grind Masala Powder

   Turn off the stove and cool the roasted ingredients completely. Once cooled, transfer them to a mixer jar and grind to a fine powder.

3. 3.Sauté Whole Spices and Onions

   To a pan or kadai, add about 3 tablespoons of oil. Once hot, add whole spices (clove, cardamom, and cinnamon). Then add 4 large chopped onions and sauté until they turn a nice golden brown color.

4. 4.Add Ginger & Garlic

   Add 2 teaspoons of freshly pounded ginger and garlic to the sautéed onions and mix well, cooking for about a minute until fragrant.

5. 5.Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

   Add 3 chopped tomatoes and sauté until they become a little mushy. Then add 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix everything thoroughly.

6. 6.Cook Chicken with Base

   Add 1 kilogram of washed chicken pieces (with bone) to the pan. Mix the chicken pieces along with the onions and tomatoes until the chicken is no longer pink.

7. 7.Simmer Chicken

   Add 2 cups (500 ml) of water to the chicken. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for about 15 minutes until the chicken is almost cooked.

8. 8.Add Chettinad Masala Powder

   After 15 minutes, if the chicken is almost cooked, add 5 teaspoons of the freshly made Chettinad Masala Powder. Gently mix the masala powder along with the chicken until it's well combined and the color changes.

9. 9.Add Curry Leaves and Final Cook

   Add a few sprigs of curry leaves and mix them in. Close the pan again and cook for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

10. 10.Adjust Seasoning and Serve

    After 10 minutes, check for seasoning and add another 1 teaspoon of salt if needed. Mix well. The incredibly delicious Chettinad Pepper Chicken Masala is now done. Turn off the stove and serve it nice and hot.