Chicken Chettinad

Ingredients

 * 1 kg chicken
 * 2 tsp poppy seeds
 * ½ grated coconut
 * 1 tsp fennel seeds
 * 1 tsp coriander seeds
 * ½ tsp cumin seeds
 * 6 – 8 whole red chilies
 * 1 inch stick cinnamon
 * 3 green cardamom
 * 2 cloves
 * ½ tsp turmeric powder
 * 1 onion, large
 * 2 tsp ginger, chopped
 * 2 tsp garlic, chopped
 * ½ star anise
 * 1 tsp red chili powder
 * 3 tomatoes, medium
 * 1 lemon
 * 10 – 12 curry leaves
 * fresh coriander garnish
 * ½ cup oil
 * salt to taste

Method

 * 1) Clean the chicken, remove the skin and cut into small pieces.
 * 2) Chop the onions and tomatoes separately.
 * 3) Roast the whole red chilies, grated coconut, poppy seeds, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, green cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, fennel seeds in oil and grind to a paste for 20mts along with ginger and garlic.
 * 4) Heat oil in a vessel and fry the onions till golden, then add curry leaves and the ground paste and sauté for some time.
 * 5) Add the tomatoes, red chili powder and turmeric powder and sauté.
 * 6) Add the chicken, mix and cook for 5 minutes and then add 2 cups of water and lemon juice.
 * 7) Cover and cook till the chicken is done.
 * 8) Serve chicken chettinad hot garnished with coriander leaves and accompanied with boiled rice, rotis or tandoori naan.