Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Roast Onions and Garlic for Masala

   Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan on moderate heat. Add thinly sliced onion and fry until deep golden brown. Add roughly bashed garlic cloves and continue frying until deep brown. Reserve the fried onions and garlic in a bowl.

2. 2.Roast Desiccated Coconut

   In the same pan, add 1/2 cup desiccated coconut and 1 tsp oil. Toast on moderate heat until light brown, ensuring it does not burn. Add to the bowl with the fried onions and garlic.

3. 3.Roast Dried Red Chillies

   In the same pan, add 1 tsp oil and 20-25 Lavangi Kolhapuri Mirchi (dried red chillies). Toast until fragrant and slightly darkened. Ensure good ventilation. Add to the bowl with other roasted ingredients.

4. 4.Roast Whole Spices (Coriander, Fennel, Cumin, Peppercorns, Fenugreek)

   In the same pan, add 1 tbsp oil, 1/4 cup coriander seeds, 1 tbsp fennel seeds, 1 tbsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp black peppercorns, and 1 tsp fenugreek seeds. Roast until fragrant.

5. 5.Roast Remaining Whole Spices (Sesame, Poppy, Cinnamon)

   Add 1 tbsp sesame seeds, 1 tbsp white poppy seeds, and 1 small stick of roughly cracked cinnamon to the pan with the other whole spices. Roast until fragrant, ensuring no burning. Add to the bowl with other roasted ingredients.

6. 6.Cool and Grind Masala

   Mix all roasted ingredients in the bowl and let them cool completely to room temperature (approx. 10 minutes). Transfer the cooled mixture to a mixer grinder. Add 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp turmeric, and 1 tbsp tamarind. Add 1/4 cup water and grind into a very smooth and fine paste.

7. 7.Marinate Chicken

   In a bowl, marinate 500g chicken pieces with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp turmeric powder. Mix well and let it sit for 5-7 minutes.

8. 8.Cook Kolhapuri Masala

   Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan. Add the prepared Kolhapuri masala paste. Sauté the masala mix until it starts releasing oil on the sides (approx. 3-5 minutes).

9. 9.Add Tomatoes and Water

   Add 2 finely chopped tomatoes to the masala. Cook until the tomatoes become soft. Add 1/2 - 1 cup water and allow the mixture to boil.

10. 10.Add Chicken and Cook

    Add the marinated chicken pieces to the boiling masala. Add more water if needed to adjust consistency. Stir well, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

11. 11.Garnish and Serve

    Garnish with 2 tbsp fresh chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot.