3 Easy Steps to Master the Art of Chettinad Chicken Gravy/Curry

If you're a fan of robust, spicy, and aromatic Indian cuisine, Chettinad Chicken Gravy (or Curry) is a must-try. This traditional South Indian dish, from Tamil Nadu's Chettinad region, is famous for its complex spices and rich. In this blog, we'll walk you through a simple, step-by-step recipe for making this delicious dish at home. The Essence of Chettinad Cuisine

This cuisine is known for its robust use of spices, which results in an explosion of flavors with each bite. The main ingredients are freshly ground masalas (spice mixtures), coconut, and a variety of aromatic spices. Chettinad Chicken gravy is a classic meal that embodies the essence of this cuisine, mixing succulent chicken with a thick, spicy sauce that goes well with rice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get into the steps, let’s gather all the ingredients required for this Chettinad chicken gravy recipe:

For the Chicken Marinade:

* 500 grams of chicken pieces (preferably with bones)

* 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

* 1 teaspoon red chili powder

* Salt to taste

* Juice of 1 lemon

For the Chettinad Masala:

* 2 tablespoons oil

* 1 tablespoon coriander seeds

* 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

* 1 teaspoon fennel seeds

* 5-6 dried red chilies

* 2 tablespoons grated coconut

* 1 teaspoon black peppercorns

* 4-5 cloves

* 1-inch piece of cinnamon stick

* 3-4 green cardamom pods

For the Gravy:

* 2 tablespoons oil

* 1 large onion, finely chopped

* 2 tomatoes, finely chopped

* 2 green chilies, slit

* 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

* A handful of curry leaves

* 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

* Salt to taste

* Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Step 1: Preparing the Chettinad Masala

Masala is at the center of every Chettinad cuisine. Here's how to make this fragrant blend:

Gather the spices: Collect coriander, cumin, fennel, peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and dried red chilies.

Dry roast: In a pan without oil, dry roast the spices until fragrant. Take care not to burn them.

Grind to perfection: Once cooled, combine the roasted spices and optional coconut to make a fine powder. This is your Chettinad masala, the secret ingredient for achieving authentic flavors.

Step 2: Simmering the Base

Now, let's lay the foundation for your Chettinad chicken gravy:

Sauté the aromatics: Heat oil in a cast-iron pan, then add cumin seeds and allow to sputter. Then add the chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté till golden brown.

Embrace the heat: Add the ground spices to the pan and swirl constantly to avoid burning. This is where the tastes come together to create magic.

Tomato tango: Cook chopped tomatoes until they break down into a pulpy texture. This is the base of your gravy.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken to Perfection

It's time to start with the major ingredient:

Marinate chicken: Marinate your chicken with turmeric, salt, and a little yogurt to get soft and juicy results.

Sear to perfection: Cook the marinated chicken until browned on all sides.

Simmer and enjoy: Add coconut milk (or water) to achieve the desired consistency. Allow the gravy to boil until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have combined perfectly.

Tips for Making the Perfect Chettinad Chicken Gravy

Adjust the heat: This cuisine is noted for its spicy flavors. Adjust the amount of red chilies to your taste.

Coconut magic: Replace water with coconut milk for a fuller flavor.

Serve it correctly: For a filling lunch, serve this chicken gravy over steaming hot rice or with crispy roti.

Enjoying Your Chettinad Chicken Gravy

This chicken gravy works well with steaming rice, biryani, roti, or naan. The rich, spicy gravy, paired with soft chicken pieces, yields a dish that is both satisfying and tasty.

Conclusion

Making this chicken gravy at home is easier than you might think, especially with this simple three-step recipe. The use of freshly ground spices and high-quality ingredients ensures that each bite is packed with flavor. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or whenever you want something hearty and delicious. While homemade this chicken gravy is unquestionably a culinary wonder, we recognize that not everyone has the time to make it from scratch. This is where Earthy Origins comes in. Our ready-to-cook this gravy base contains the rich flavors of traditional spices. Simply add your favorite Earthy Origins free-range chicken, follow three simple steps, and voilà! A restaurant-quality this chicken curry is ready to be savored. Choose from our wide range of free-range chicken options, including Shika, for a healthier and more flavorful meal. So, why wait? Dive into the world of Chettinad flavors and create a dish that will leave your taste buds craving for more!