Indian cuisine has no shortage in the number of ways to prepare the beloved chook! Each state has at least a dozen wonderful ways to prepare this staple.
One can spend a lifetime going from state to state and community to community with their many variations & numerous nuances all in the quest to making that humble albeit unforgettable chicken 'curry' i.e. chicken masala or kura.
This version comes from traditional Andhra cuisine from the state of Andhra Pradesh which is in Southern India on the Eastern coastline. Mind you each family will add its own little tweaks depending on religious and cultural back grounds which is what makes it all so damn exciting.
Needless to say, ingredients classic to South Indian cuisine take center stage in this dish namely, curry leaves and coconut.
I have often said, that there is no 'one-fits-all' spice blend in Indian cuisine and so the spice mixture is blended, roasted and ground for a truly authentic and traditional experience.
Beautiful scented spices such as coriander seeds, cumin seeds, poppy seeds, fennel seeds, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick & desiccated coconut come together to create an incredibly flavorful and unique ground masala.
And as you can imagine, the gravy is infused with a real depth of flavor making this kodi kura simply, delicious!
warmly,
Devaki
Recipe for
Andhra Kodi Kura ~ A Classic Chicken Gravy from Andhra Pradesh, India
Serves 4-6
Shopping list
10 qty skinless & boneless chicken thighs or 1 qty whole bone-in chicken
2 yellow onions (to yield 2-1/2 cups chopped)
2 sprigs curry leaves
3 tbsp. canola oil
1/2-1 tsp red chilly powder (add more if desired - traditionally served very hot)
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tbsp. tomato paste
Marinade:
2 tbsp. garlic-ginger paste (preferably freshly made)
1 tbsp. salt
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp red chilly powder
Ground Spice blend (Masala):
1-1/2 tbsp. coriander seeds
1/2 tbsp. cumin seeds
1 tbsp. poppy seeds
3/4 tbsp. fennel seeds
4 cardamom pods
5 cloves
1-inch piece Cinnamon stick
2 tbsp. desiccated (dried, ground, unsweetened) coconut
Garnish:
1 tbsp. fresh chopped cilantro leaves
Preparation:
Chicken: If using boneless, skinless chicken, cut away the excess fat and cut into 1-1/2 to 2" pieces. If using whole, bone-in chicken then skin and cut at the joints. Cut each breast into 3 pieces.
Wash the chicken under tap water and drain away excess water. Place in a large mixing bowl and add the marinade ingredients. Rub the chicken with clean hands to work the marinade into the meat. Set aside.
Ground Spice blend (Masala):
Measure and remove all the spices except the coconut to a bowl. Line a bowl or plate with kitchen paper towel.
Heat a non-stick frying pan and add the spices. Stir for about 1 minute constantly until fragrant and coriander seeds begin to lightly brown. Add the desiccated coconut and roast for about 30 seconds until it is fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to prevent the coconut from burning.
Onions: Peel, cut and discards the ends and finely chop.
Curry leaves: Rinse and set aside.
Method:
In a sauté pan, add the oil. Heat for a few seconds on medium heat until hot. Add the onions and curry leaves and sauté for 10-15 minutes until the onions have softened but not browned.
Cook's Tip: Be sure to stir regularly to prevent sticking and bruning around the edges.
Add the ground spice (masala) blend and saute for a few seconds until fragrant.
Add the marinated chicken and saute for about 5-10 minutes until most of the chicken is pale and opaque. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pan with a tight fitting lid.
