Indian Non - Vegetarian Recipes : Chicken Chettinad

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Serves: 4
Cooking time (approx.): 27 minutes
Style: South Indian (Tamil Nadu) Non-Vegetarian

8 medium sized pieces (about 800 grams) of chicken
8 curry leaves (big)
2 medium onion(s) chopped
2 large tomato(es) chopped
1 teaspoon(s) each of red chilli and turmeric powders
2 teaspoon(s) lemon juice
2 tablespoon(s) oil
2 cup(s) water
salt to taste
finely chopped coriander leaves for garnishing For the Paste
2 teaspoon(s) poppy seeds (khus khus)
6 whole red chillies
6 tablespoons grated coconut (optional)
1 teaspoon(s) each of coriander, cumin and fennel seeds
1" piece cinnamon broken
2 cloves and green cardamoms each
2 teaspoon(s) each of chopped ginger and garlic

In a little hot oil roast all the ingredients for the paste except for ginger and garlic. Allow to cool and grind to a paste along with ginger and garlic.
Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan on medium level till hot and fry the chopped onions till they are golden brown. Add the curry leaves, the ground paste , turmeric and red chilli powders. Fry for some more time. Add the chopped tomatoes and fry for about 2 minute(s) or till the oil leaves the sides of the pan.
Add the chicken and mix well. Cook on medium level for about 5 minutes.
Add the lemon juice and water. Sprinkle salt to taste. Mix well. Cover and cook on low heat for about 20 minutes or till the chicken is fully tenderised.
Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves.

TIP:
Though curry leaves may be difficult to obtain, traditionally they are a must for this dish. Dried curry leaves may be available in Indian stores.

Serve hot with: Coconut Rice (Nariyal Chawal), white rice or Indian bread (Roti).