Nagarcoil Traditional Chicken Curry

Nagarcoil is a town in Kanykumari district in Tamilnadu. The place is very famous for the nagaraja temple, education and their hospitality.

The local food is just amazing with flavors from coconut, fennel and lots of onions.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes 

Cook Time: 40 minutes 

Serves : 3-4

Ingredients:

Chicken: 500 gms

Onions : 2 large sliced

Tomatoes: 2 large Chopped 

Curry leaves: 1 sprig 

Turmeric: 1 teaspoon 

Ginger garlic paste: 1 tablespoon 

Red chili powder: 2 teaspoons

Coriander powder: 1 tablespoon 

Garam masala: 1 tablespoon 

Salt to taste 

Water : 1 cup

Cilantro/Coriander leaves: To garnish 

To make a paste:

Coconut: 3/4 cup

Fennel seeds: 1 tablespoon 

For tempering: 

Bay leaves: 2

Green cardamom: 2

Cinnamon: 1" stick 

Method:

Heat oil in a pan, add ingredients listed for tempering and fry for 30 seconds. Add curry leaves and let them splatter. Add onions and turmeric. Sauté till they turn translucent.

Add ginger garlic paste and fry for 1 minute. 

Add all the spice powders and mix well and fry for 2 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy. 

Add the chicken pieces and fry for 7-8 minutes. Close lid and cook for 5 minutes. 

Add 1 cup of water, mix well and close lid. Cook for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, make a paste of coconut and fennel seeds. Add this to the chicken.

Cook for 5 minutes until chicken is done and the curry is thick and turn off the stove.

Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with roti, rice or pulav.