Chicken Chettinad

Chicken Chettinad is a classic Indian dish from the Chettinad (Tamil Nadu ).  It's known for its rich and aromatic flavours, primarily derived from a variety of spices which makes this dish very unique.

Some of the ingredients used in this recipe are

Ingredients:

• Chicken: 150 gm cut into pieces

• Onions: 1 finely chopped

• Tomatoes: 2, finely chopped

• Green chilies: 2, slit

• Curry leaves: 10-15

• Cinnamon stick: 1 small piece

• Cloves: 2

• Poppy seeds- 8-10

• Turmeric powder: 1

• Star anise- 2-3

• Javitri- 1/2 tsp

• Garlic- 2 tsp

• Kashmiri chili powder-1/2 tsp

• Coconut oil/Black sesame oil. (This is important for an authentic flavour)

• Salt: to taste

• Oil: 3 tbsp

• Water: as needed

• Fresh coriander: for garnish

• Lemon juice: to taste (optional)

• Martimukh (optional)- 3-4. This is a very traditional south Indian spice which adds a very authentic flavour. You can skip it if you don’t have it.

• Saunf -1/2 tsp

For the Chettinad Masala:

• Coconut: 3-4 tbsp, grated

• Fennel seeds/saunf : 1 tsp

• Whole black peppercorns: 1 tsp

• Cumin seeds: 1/2 tsp

• Dry red chilies: 3-4

• 3-4 green cardamom

• Black stone flower-3-4 pieces (optional) This adds an authentic flavour.If you dont have it then skip it.

• Cinnamon stick- 1

• Cloves- 4

• Bay leaf- 1

• Salt- to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chettinad Masala: Grind the above mentioned ingredients into a dry masala and keep to aside in a jar.
   

2. Cook the Chicken:In a pan, add coconut oil, fry Sauf,star anise,martimukh ,Javitri,cloves,curry leaves,poppy seeds,green chillies,onion,gralic,tomato chopped,turmeric,kashniri chili powder.
   

3. Once the onions and tomatoes are cooked, add chicken, 2 tbsp Chetinaad masala .cook until it done. Add little water. Garnish with coriander leaves, fried curry leaves and green chillies