Chettinad Chicken Masala:

A Spicy and Flavorful South Indian Delight

Chettinad cuisine is a popular South Indian cuisine known for its spicy and aromatic flavors. The cuisine originated from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu and is characterized by the use of freshly ground spices and herbs. One of the most famous dishes from this cuisine is Chettinad Chicken Masala, which is a spicy and flavorful chicken dish that is sure to tickle your taste buds. In this blog, we will explore the recipe for Chettinad Chicken Masala and learn how to make it at home.

Ingredients:

For Marination:

• 500g boneless chicken
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For Masala:

• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp fennel seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp black peppercorns
• 2-3 dried red chilies
• 1 tsp coriander seeds
• 2-3 green cardamom pods
• 2-3 cloves
• 1 inch cinnamon stick
• Salt to taste
• Coriander leaves, chopped for garnishing

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, add boneless chicken, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, salt, and lemon juice. Mix well and marinate for 30 minutes.

2. In a pan, heat oil and add fennel seeds, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, black peppercorns, dried red chilies, coriander seeds, green cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Roast the spices for a few seconds until fragrant.

3. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden brown.

4. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell goes away.

5. Add finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.

6. Add marinated chicken and mix well. Cook on medium flame until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

7. Add salt to taste and mix well.

8. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or roti.

Tips:

• You can adjust the spice level according to your preference by adding or reducing the number of dried red chilies.
• To make the dish more flavorful, you can add curry leaves while sautéing the onions.

In conclusion, Chettinad Chicken Masala is a delicious and spicy dish that is easy to make at home. The dish is perfect for those who love spicy food and want to try something new. With the use of freshly ground spices and herbs, this dish is sure to leave you with a lasting impression. So, give it a try and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.