Keralan Chicken Curry Food

KERALAN CHICKEN COCONUT ISHTU

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a wide pan (a karahi or wok is ideal), then add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, peppercorns and star anise. Once the seeds have stopped popping, add the curry leaves and the onion and cook over a medium heat until translucent. Add the ginger, garlic and green chillies, and sauté gently for 1-2 mins or until the garlic is cooked.
• Grind the fennel seeds to a fine powder in a spice grinder or with a pestle and mortar, then add to the pan with the turmeric, ground coriander and a pinch of salt. Add a splash of water and cook for 2 mins. Put the chicken in the pan and cook in the spice paste for 2 mins. Add water to come a third of the way up the chicken, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and cook, covered, for 1 hr, stirring occasionally.
• Once the liquid has reduced, add the green beans and coconut milk (including the thin milk that collects at the bottom of the can), cover and cook for another 10 mins. Uncover and cook off most of the excess liquid, stirring occasionally. Check the chicken is cooked all the way through. Stir in the coconut cream, vinegar and spinach, and bring to a simmer. Taste and adjust the seasoning, and serve topped with the coriander.

KERALAN CHICKEN CURRY WITH MANGO

Steps:

• Combine coriander seeds, black peppercorns and turmeric powder. Grind to a paste with a little water and set aside.
• Heat oil and saute the mustard seeds until they crackle. Add the onion, garlic, ginger and curry leaves, and saute until the onions become translucent. Add the chicken and saute until golden brown.
• Add the curry paste mix, and saute for another minute, stirring constantly to avoid sticking. Add the vinegar and 1/2 cup of water and simmer for 2 minutes. Add the coconut milk and mango cubes and salt to taste.
• Gently simmer for a further 5 minutes, taking car not to allow the coconut milk to boil.
• Serve with rice.