Chicken Chettinad

Marinate chicken with curd and little salt for an hour.Meanwhile roast the dry masalas like fennel,coriander seeds,poppy or sesame seeds and when cool grind and set aside.

Heat oil in a wok and fry 2 dry red chillies and set aside.Sprinkle mustard seeds and jeera. When they splutter add half crushed whole garam masala and black peppercorns.Then fry the chopped onion light brown.Meanwhile make a paste of 1 tsp chopped onion,ginger garlic paste alongwith dry roasted ground masala and tomato puree.

Add this masala to the frying onions and toss.Add the marinated chicken and toss.Add turmeric and red chilli powder.Adjust the amount of chilli powder according to taste.Add salt and toss on low flame.Add coconut and fry till oil leaves sides.

The chicken releases water so little water may be needed to cook till soft.Cook on low flame till done.Sprinkle crispy fried curry leaves and toss.Garnish with chopped coriander and dry red chillies.Serve with dosa,appam,roti or jeera rice.