Ready in

80 mins

Cuisine

Indian · South Indian

Prep Time

30 min

Cook Time

50 min

Serving

4 People

Difficulty

Medium

Calories / Serving

~600 kcal

Spicy Level

Recipe by Spice Eats on YouTube
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Measurements
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All Ingredients

For Masala Paste

All Ingredients

Main Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow each step to make the recipe successfully.

  1. Roast Dry Spices

    In a pan, add cumin seeds, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, mace flower, star anise, bay leaves, and stone flower. Roast for on low heat until fragrant.

  2. Add Dry Red Chillies and Coconut

    Add dry red chillies to the pan and roast for another on low heat. Then, add fresh grated coconut and continue to roast for on low heat until the coconut turns light brown.

  3. Prepare Masala Paste

    Transfer the roasted spices and coconut to a plate and allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer them to a grinder, add 150 ml of water, and grind to a coarse paste, then continue grinding until it forms a smooth masala paste.

  4. Sauté Curry Leaves and Shallots

    Heat 4-5 tablespoons of oil in a large pan. Add curry leaves and give it a stir. Then, add 1 cup (150 gms) of small shallots and fry for on medium heat until the shallots are soft.

  5. Add Ginger Garlic Paste

    Add 2 teaspoons of ginger garlic paste to the pan and fry for on low heat until the raw aroma disappears.

  6. Cook Chicken with Spices

    Add 1 kg of chicken pieces (large pieces with bones) to the pan. Sprinkle 3/4 teaspoon of turmeric, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and 2 teaspoons of salt. Mix well and fry for on high heat, then heat to medium and fry for another until the chicken is coated and slightly browned.

  7. Add Tomatoes and Masala Paste

    Add 2 medium (175 gms) sliced tomatoes to the chicken and cook for on medium heat until the tomatoes soften. Then, add the prepared masala paste and cook for on medium heat, stirring well to combine.

  8. Simmer the Curry

    Add 1/4 teaspoon of additional salt (to taste) and mix. Fry for on medium heat until the oil separates from the masala. Pour in 200 ml of water, stir, cover the pan, and cook for on low heat until the chicken is tender and the curry has thickened to your desired consistency.

Before You Cook

Helpful details before you start
Ingredient SubstitutionsMissing something? View suitable alternatives.
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  • No Bay leaf?

    • 1/4 tsp dried thyme (per leaf)
    • Pinch of dried oregano
  • No Curry leaves?

    • 1 bay leaf + a pinch of lemon zest — Aroma only — flavor is unique.
  • No Shallot?

    • 1 small onion + 1 small garlic clove
    • Sweet onion (1:1, milder)
  • No Garlic (fresh)?

    • 1/4 tsp garlic powder (per clove)
    • 1/2 tsp garlic granules (per clove)

Variations

Simple ways to adapt this recipe.

  • For a milder curryCustomise

    Reduce the number of peppercorns and dry red chilies.

  • Add potatoes or other vegetablesCustomise

    Add potatoes or other vegetables for a heartier curry.

  • Use boneless chicken for quicker cooking

    Adjusting cooking times accordingly.

Helpful Tips

Small details that can improve the final result.

  • Flavour tipEnsure Spices Are Roasted on

    Ensure spices are roasted on low heat to prevent burning and to release their full aroma.

  • Flavour tipAdjust the Amount of Dry

    Adjust the amount of dry red chilies to suit your spice preference.

  • Flavour tipFrying the Chicken with Spices

    Frying the chicken with spices and tomatoes until oil separates is crucial for a rich flavor.

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