Kongunadu Chicken Curry Recipe
Kongunadu-style chicken curry is a traditional dish from the Kongu region in Tamil Nadu, South India. This area is famous for its distinctive and tasty food. The chicken curry made in this style stands out from other South Indian curries because it uses fresh spices that are locally grown, like coriander seeds, dry red chillies, black pepper, and fennel seeds. These spices give the curry a strong, earthy flavour. Sometimes, coconut is added to make the curry richer, but it doesn’t make the dish as creamy as other South Indian curries.
Chicken masala:
Kongunadu-style chicken curry is a big part of Kongunadu's food culture and shows how simple ingredients can create something truly delicious and memorable. The Kongunattu Chicken Masala makes the meal more delectable. The authentic taste of Kongunadu Chicken Masala, made with love using a traditional recipe passed down for decades by the moms of Kongu Mandalam. This tasty masala includes Red Chilli Powder, Dry Ginger, Onion, Coriander, Black Pepper, Cumin, Cloves, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Garlic, Mustard, Dry Fenugreek Leaves, Turmeric, and Salt. Each ingredient is traditionally dry roasted and ground to keep the rich flavours intact.
Necessary ingredients for the chicken curry recipe:
- Chicken: 500g, cleaned and cut into pieces
- Oorla's Kongunadu Chicken Masala: 2 tablespoons (for marination) + 1 teaspoon (for gravy)
- Turmeric Powder: 2 teaspoons (for marination) + 1/2 teaspoon (for gravy)
- Coriander Powder: 2 teaspoons
- Ginger Garlic Paste: 3 tablespoons (for marination) + 3 tablespoons (for gravy)
- Salt: As required
- Oil: For frying and cooking (quantity as needed)
- Cinnamon Stick: 1 small piece
- Cloves: 2-3 pieces
- Fennel Seeds: 1 teaspoon
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
- Green Chillies: As desired, slit or chopped
- Tomatoes: 1 1/2 cups, finely chopped
- Red Chilli Powder: As desired
- Water: As needed for gravy consistency
- Fresh Coriander Leaves: A handful, chopped for garnish
Step by Step Guide:
Now, let's look at the step-by-step procedure for the chicken curry recipe. Watch our video for the complete recipe.
Kongunadu Chicken Curry Recipe
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a mixing bowl, add the 500g chicken pieces.
- To the chicken, add 2 tablespoons of Oorla's Kongunadu Chicken Masala, 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder, 2 teaspoons of coriander powder, 3 tablespoons of ginger garlic paste, and the required salt.
- Mix everything well so that the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
- Cover the bowl and set aside to marinate for 30 minutes.
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces.
- Fry the chicken on low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Prepare the Gravy:
- Heat more oil over medium heat in the same skillet or a fresh one.
- Add a small cinnamon stick, 2-3 cloves, and one teaspoon of fennel seeds to the hot oil.
- Allow the spices to crackle for a few seconds, releasing their aroma.
- Add the chopped onion and green chillies as desired.
- Sauté the onions until they turn golden brown.
- Add three tablespoons of ginger garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
- Add 1.5 cups chopped tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, and red chilli powder as desired.
- Also, add one teaspoon of Oorla's Kongunadu Chicken Masala.
- Cook the mixture on medium heat until the tomatoes are mashed, melting, and forming a thick paste.
Combine Chicken with Gravy:
- Add water to the tomato mixture and sauté on medium heat until the gravy thickens.
- Once the gravy reaches a thick consistency, add the fried chicken pieces to the skillet.
- Stir well to coat the chicken with the gravy.
- Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the dish becomes dry, ensuring all the flavours blend.
Final Touch:
- Finish by adding a handful of chopped coriander leaves.
- Stir everything together and turn off the heat.
Serve:
- Serve the Kongunadu Chicken Fry hot with rice, roti, or your favourite side dish.
- Enjoy the authentic taste of Kongunadu in every bite!
This Kongunadu Chicken Fry is full of rich, authentic flavours that bring the taste of South India to your plate. The spices and tender chicken create a delicious dish that’s sure to be a hit with everyone. The wonderful aroma and savoury taste make it a must-try for anyone who enjoys a good, hearty meal.
To make this tasty recipe at home, use Oorla's Kongunadu Chicken Masala. This unique spice mix is carefully created using high-quality ingredients like Red chilli powder, Dry Ginger, Coriander, and Black Pepper, all roasted and ground to perfection. It comes in sealed refill jars with a 6-month shelf life, making it a great addition to your kitchen for authentic South Indian cooking.
Don't miss out on this delicious dish—try it today!
