Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu Recipe

Ingredients:

• 500 grams chicken, cut into small pieces
• 2 onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 teaspoons red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 1/4 cup grated coconut
• A few curry leaves
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil or any cooking oil
• Salt to taste
• Chopped coriander leaves for garnishing

Instructions:

1. Marinate Chicken:

In a bowl, mix chicken pieces with turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Let them marinate for about 20-30 minutes.

2. Prepare Masala Paste:

1. Heat a small pan over medium heat and dry roast grated coconut, fennel seeds, mustard seeds, and fenugreek seeds until fragrant. Allow them to cool down.
2. Grind the roasted ingredients into a smooth paste using a blender or food processor. Add a little water if needed.

3. Sauté Onions:

1. Heat coconut oil or any cooking oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat.
2. Add thinly sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

4. Add Aromatics:

1. Add ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies to the pan. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears.
2. Add chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook until they turn soft and mushy.

5. Add Masala Paste:

Lower the heat and add the ground masala paste to the pan. Stir well to combine with the onion-tomato mixture. Cook for a few minutes until the raw smell of the masala disappears.

6. Cook Chicken:

1. Gently add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan, ensuring they are coated with the masala.
2. Add curry leaves to the pan. Stir well to combine.
3. Cover the pan and let the chicken curry simmer over low heat for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

7. Check Seasoning:

Taste the Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu and adjust the salt and spices according to your preference.

8. Garnish and Serve:

1. Garnish the chicken curry with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
2. Serve hot Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu with steamed rice, appam, or chapati for a delicious South Indian meal.

Enjoy the flavorful and aromatic Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu, a beloved dish from South India!