Naadan Kozhi curry/ Kerala special chicken curry (Serves 6)

Today we are presenting a unique preparation which has all the tricks and techniques to get an authentic Kerala taste (NAADAN RUCHI). I have seen many recipes for  “authentic kerala style preparations”, but this recipe has its own unique twist.  The taste of traditional chicken preparations varies across the state and  this recipe  has a central Kerala signature as far as  preparation and taste are concerned. This chicken curry tastes best when prepared in an uruli/ brass cookware. This curry goes well with plain rice, flavored rice preparations and rotis..

Chicken 2 lbs
Red onions 2 med, thinly sliced
Ginger 2 TBSP, chopped
Dry red chilly 3-4 nos
Mustard seeds 1 tsp
Whole coriander seeds 1 TBSP
Red chilly powder 1TBSP
Turmeric powder ¼ tsp
Chicken masala powder 2 TBSP (I used Eastern chicken masala)
Garam masala 1 tsp
Salt as needed
Thick Coconut milk 1 cup
Coconut oil 2 TBSP + ½ tsp
Curry leaves a bunch

Preparation

Heat (med-high) 2 TBSP oil in a deep bottomed pan and splutter mustard seeds followed by dry red chilly. Roast this well and add thinly sliced onions and ginger. Sauté this until the onions are reddish brown color. Now add the cleaned chicken pieces along with chicken masala. Combine well so that the masala gets coated to chicken pieces. Meanwhile dry roast the coriander seeds and when they start to turn brown add red chilly powder and roast for a minute. Grind this to make a smooth paste with little water. Add the masala to the chicken and mix well. Next throw in turmeric powder and salt, stir well to combine. Add the coconut milk and reduce the flame to low-med and allow the chicken to cook in coconut milk. When the chicken is ¾ cooked add curry leaves and garam masala. Do a taste test and add more salt, if needed. Once the chicken pieces are cooked completely the curry will have a dark brown color and this is when you need to turn off the flame and add ½ tsp coconut oil on top. Keep the pan covered until ready to serve.

Cheers!!!
Chitra