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Authentic Kerala Chicken Curry - Spicy Delight from God's Own Country

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    ChefPandas
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🍲 About This Dish

Kerala Chicken Curry, also known as "Kozhi Varutharachathu," is a signature dish from the southern Indian state of Kerala. With its roots deeply embedded in the vibrant culture of Kerala, this curry reflects the state's love for bold flavors and aromatic spices. Traditionally, this dish is prepared using a variety of indigenous spices and coconut-based ingredients, showcasing the unique culinary heritage of the region.

🌶️ Ingredients Overview

  • Chicken (Kozhi)
  • Coconut Oil
  • Curry Leaves (Kadi Patta)
  • Shallots (Kunjulli)
  • Green Chilies (Pacha Mulaku)
  • Ginger (Inji)
  • Garlic (Veluthulli)
  • Turmeric Powder (Manjal Podi)
  • Coriander Powder (Malli Podi)
  • Red Chili Powder (Mulaku Podi)
  • Garam Masala
  • Coconut Milk (Thenga Pal)
  • Salt to Taste

✨ What Makes It Special

Kerala Chicken Curry is known for its fiery heat and rich coconut flavor. While the core ingredients remain consistent, variations in preparation methods and spice blends can be observed across different regions of India. In Kerala, the use of fresh coconut and coconut oil imparts a distinct taste that sets this dish apart from other regional interpretations of chicken curry.

📝 Ingredients

  • 1 kg Chicken, cut into pieces
  • 3 tbsp Coconut Oil
  • 10-12 Curry Leaves
  • 10-12 Shallots, finely sliced
  • 2-3 Green Chilies, slit
  • 1-inch piece of Ginger, crushed
  • 6-8 Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 2 tbsp Coriander Powder
  • 1 tbsp Red Chili Powder
  • 1 tsp Garam Masala
  • 1 cup Coconut Milk
  • Salt to Taste

🥄 Spice Blend (Masala)

  1. Dry roast and grind the following spices to make a fresh masala blend:
    • 1 tbsp Coriander Seeds
    • 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
    • 1/2 tsp Fennel Seeds
    • 4-5 Whole Black Peppercorns
    • 2-3 Cloves
    • 1-inch Cinnamon Stick

👨‍🍳 Preparation Method

  1. Heat coconut oil in a pan and add curry leaves, shallots, green chilies, ginger, and garlic. Sauté until the shallots turn golden brown.
  2. Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and the freshly ground spice blend. Cook for a few minutes until the raw smell disappears.
  3. Add the chicken pieces and coat them well with the spice mixture.
  4. Pour in the coconut milk and season with salt. Cover and simmer until the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Sprinkle garam masala and simmer for a few more minutes before removing from heat.

⏰ Timing Guide

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Kerala Chicken Curry is traditionally served with steamed rice, appam (rice pancakes), or pathiri (rice flatbread) to soak up the flavorful gravy. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot for a truly authentic experience.

💭 Chef's Notes

  • Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by varying the amount of red chili powder and green chilies.
  • For a richer flavor, you can substitute coconut milk with coconut cream.
  • Marinating the chicken in a mix of yogurt and spices before cooking can enhance the taste and tenderize the meat.

📦 Storage

Store any leftover Kerala Chicken Curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of coconut milk to revive the flavors.

Enjoy the bold flavors and fiery heat of this authentic Kerala Chicken Curry, a culinary masterpiece that embodies the essence of Kerala's rich gastronomic heritage.