Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare Ingredients

   Gather all your fresh ingredients. Peel the small onions, garlic, and ginger. Chop the tomatoes and set aside. Grate the coconut and grind it into a fine paste. Grind the red chilies and other dry spices on a grinding stone to make a fresh masala paste.

2. 2.Start the Stove and Heat Oil

   Add wood sticks to the traditional clay stove and light the fire. Once the fire is burning, place a clay pot on top and add cooking oil.

3. 3.Temper Whole Spices

   Once the oil is hot, add the whole spices including cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and fennel seeds. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. 4.Sauté Onions and Ginger-Garlic Paste

   Add the peeled small onions to the pot and stir until they turn translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another 2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.

5. 5.Add Tomatoes and Powdered Spices

   Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and cook until they soften, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the red chili powder and turmeric powder. Mix well to combine all the spices.

6. 6.Cook Chicken

   Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Stir to coat the chicken with the masala. Add tamarind extract, salt to taste, and a sprig of curry leaves. Pour in enough water to just cover the chicken.

7. 7.Simmer the Curry

   Stir the curry, then cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

8. 8.Add Coconut Paste

   Remove the lid and stir the curry. Add the freshly ground coconut paste and mix it into the curry. Continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the curry to thicken slightly.

9. 9.Final Touches and Serve

   Add another sprig of fresh curry leaves for aroma. Stir the curry one last time. Carefully remove the hot pot from the stove.

10. 10.Prepare for Meal

    Clean fresh banana leaves with water. Serve a generous portion of hot steamed rice onto each banana leaf. Ladle the delicious chicken curry into a separate bowl.

11. 11.Enjoy the Meal

    Place the bowl of chicken curry next to the rice on the banana leaf. Mix the rice and curry with your hand and enjoy the traditional South Indian meal with your family.

12. 12.Clean Up

    After the meal, collect the used bowls, glasses, and banana leaves.