Chettinad Chicken Curry is a flavorful and fiery dish originating from the Chettinad region in Tamil Nadu, South India. Known for its bold and complex blend of spices, this curry delivers a unique depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. The dish is prepared using fresh ingredients like chicken, onions, tomatoes, and a mixture of ground spices, all simmered in a rich gravy. Traditionally served with steamed rice, naan, or dosa, Chettinad Chicken Curry is perfect for those who love a spicy, aromatic meal.
Chettinad cuisine hails from the Chettinad region in Tamil Nadu, which is renowned for its rich culinary heritage. The Chettiar community, historically known as merchants and spice traders, played a key role in shaping the region's cuisine. Their exposure to various spices and culinary techniques from across South and Southeast Asia led to the development of a unique and diverse flavor profile. Chettinad Chicken Curry is one of the signature dishes of this cuisine, known for its use of freshly ground spices such as star anise, fennel, cloves, and dried red chilies, which create a robust, aromatic curry with layers of complexity. This dish has since become popular across India and around the world.
Ingredients:
1- 500g boneless chicken pieces
2- 2 tbsp oil
3- 1 onion, chopped
4- 1 tsp ginger paste
5- 1 tsp garlic paste
6-2 tomatoes, chopped
7- 1 tbsp tomato puree
8- 1 tbsp coriander powder
9- 1 tsp cumin powder
10- 1 tsp turmeric powder
11- 1 tsp red chili powder
12- 1 tsp garam masala powder
13- Salt to taste
14- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Method:
1. Heat oil in a large pan. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
2. Add the ginger and garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell fades.
3. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and tomato puree. Cook until the tomatoes break down and form a soft, pulpy base.
4. Add the coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Cook for a few minutes to let the spices release their aroma.
5. Add the chicken pieces and stir to coat them in the spice mixture. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and sealed.
6. Season with salt, add water to cover the chicken, and bring the curry to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is tender.
7. Finish by adding garam masala powder. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
8. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed rice or naan.
Notes:
- You can adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chili powder.
- For added richness, coconut milk or grated coconut can be stirred into the curry during the simmering process.
Nutrition Value:
1- 500g boneless chicken pieces
- Calories: approximately 1100 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 115 g
- Fat: 70 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Cholesterol: 360 mg
- Vitamins: B6, B12, niacin
- Minerals: phosphorus, selenium
- Nutritional benefit: Chicken is a rich source of high-quality protein, which supports muscle repair and growth. It also contains important vitamins and minerals that aid in immune function, energy production, and maintaining healthy bones.
2- 2 tbsp oil
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: E (if using vegetable oils)
- Minerals: none
- Nutritional benefit: Oils are a good source of healthy fats, which help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and provide energy.
3- 1 onion, chopped (medium-sized)
- Calories: 44 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 4 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: C, B6
- Minerals: potassium, manganese
- Nutritional benefit: Onions are low in calories but packed with nutrients like vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, and antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties.
4- 1 tsp ginger paste
- Calories: 5 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: B6, C
- Minerals: magnesium, manganese
- Nutritional benefit: Ginger has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It aids digestion and can help reduce nausea and pain.
5- 1 tsp garlic paste
- Calories: 5 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 0.2 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: C, B6
- Minerals: selenium, manganese
- Nutritional benefit: Garlic is known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. It supports immune function and helps regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
6- 2 tomatoes, chopped (medium-sized)
- Calories: 44 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 12 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: C, A
- Minerals: potassium, manganese
- Nutritional benefit: Tomatoes are a good source of antioxidants, especially lycopene, which is linked to reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. They also promote healthy skin and vision.
7- 1 tbsp tomato puree
- Calories: 13 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: C, A
- Minerals: potassium
- Nutritional benefit: Tomato puree provides concentrated amounts of vitamins and antioxidants, promoting heart health and strong immunity.
8- 1 tbsp coriander powder
- Calories: 16 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 1 g
- Sodium: 3 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: C, K
- Minerals: calcium, iron
- Nutritional benefit: Coriander powder aids digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is also a source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
9- 1 tsp cumin powder
- Calories: 8 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 0.4 g
- Fat: 0.4 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: C, E
- Minerals: iron, magnesium
- Nutritional benefit: Cumin promotes digestion and boosts immunity. It is rich in iron, which is essential for the production of red blood cells.
10- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- Calories: 8 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1.4 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: C
- Minerals: manganese, iron
- Nutritional benefit: Turmeric is known for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, mainly due to curcumin. It promotes joint health and supports brain function.
11- 1 tsp red chili powder
- Calories: 16 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Protein: 0.6 g
- Fat: 0.9 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: A, C
- Minerals: iron, potassium
- Nutritional benefit: Red chili powder boosts metabolism and contains capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory effects and supports cardiovascular health.
12- 1 tsp garam masala powder
- Calories: 8 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: C, A
- Minerals: calcium, iron
- Nutritional benefit: Garam masala is a blend of spices that offers numerous antioxidants, promoting digestion and overall health.
13- Salt to taste
- Calories: 0 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: varies based on quantity used
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: none
- Minerals: sodium
- Nutritional benefit: Salt enhances flavor and is essential for nerve function and maintaining fluid balance in the body. Excessive salt intake, however, can lead to high blood pressure.
14- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Calories: 1 kcal (per tbsp)
- Carbohydrates: 0.1 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: C, A, K
- Minerals: potassium, calcium
- Nutritional benefit: Coriander leaves are a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They support digestion and help detoxify the body.
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