Kovilpatti Chicken Kuzhambu
Recipe type: Main
Cuisine: Indian
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 3
 
Ingredients
To grind:
  • Ginger – 1”
  • Garlic cloves – 8 nos
  • Green chillies – 2
  • Shallots – 6
Other ingredients:
  • Gingely oil – 3 tbsp
  • Bay leaf – 1 no
  • Cinnamon stick – ½ “
  • Fennel seeds – a pinch
  • Onion, big, finely chopped – 1 no
  • Tomato, big, finely chopped – 1 no
  • Chilli powder – 1 tbsp
  • Coriander powder – 2 tbsp
  • Whole black pepper, freshly ground, powdered – 1 tbsp
  • Cumin powder -1 tsp
  • Garam masala powder – a pinch
  • Salt - as required
  • Chicken – ½ kg (750 grams)
  • Cilantro – for garnishing
  • Castor oil – 3 drops
Instructions
  1. Grind all the given ingredients under ‘to grind’ and make a fine paste.
  2. Heat oil in a thick bottomed sauce pan and add bay leaf, cinnamon and fennel seeds. When they start to sizzle add in the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
  3. Add the ground paste and sauté until the raw smell of shallots disappear.
  4. Add the chopped tomatoes and sauté until oil gets separated.
  5. Now add in all the powders (chilli, coriander, cumin, pepper, garam masala) along with salt and give a quick stir. Lower the flame and add very little water. Sauté until the raw smell disappears.
  6. Finally add in the cleaned chicken pieces, stir well until the masalas are well coated on the chicken. Add a cup of water and check for salt. Cover the lid and cook in low to medium flame for 15 minutes or until the chicken is well cooked.
  7. Add few drops of castor oil on top and cook for another couple of minutes. Switch off the flame and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
  8. Enjoy this excellent kovilpatti chicken kuzhambu with white rice or any Indian rotis! 
Notes
1.Adding castor oil is to enhance the taste. You could also use coconut oil instead.
2.This gravy tastes good as it is. In case if you want add richness to the gravy (or making a big batch) you can either add ½ a cup of coconut milk and cashew paste or you could just add yogurt.
3.I like my gravy to be thick so I added just a cup of water. You can adjust it according to your own taste.
Recipe by MyEdibleCravings at https://myediblecravings.com/kovilpatti-chicken-kuzhambu/