Welcome to the vibrant world of Kerala cuisine, where every dish tells a story and every bite is a burst of flavor! If you're ready to embark on a culinary adventure, let us introduce you to the irresistible Kerala Style Pepper Chicken. This dish is a perfect blend of aromatic spices and tender chicken, bringing the essence of South Indian cooking right to your kitchen. With just 45 minutes of your time, you can create a mouthwatering meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Are you ready to spice up your dinner table? Dive into this recipe and discover the secrets to making this delectable dish!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 2 onions, sliced
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh curry leaves
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cut the chicken into pieces and set aside. Slice the onions and slit the green chilies. Measure out the black pepper, turmeric powder, ginger-garlic paste, and salt.
- In a bowl, marinate the chicken pieces with turmeric powder, black pepper, ginger-garlic paste, and salt. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Heat the coconut oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter. This will release their flavor into the oil.
- Next, add the sliced onions to the pan. Sauté the onions until they turn golden brown, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the onions are browned, add the slit green chilies and fresh curry leaves to the pan. Sauté for another 2 minutes until the chilies are slightly softened and fragrant.
- Now, add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan. Stir well to combine the chicken with the onion and spice mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes on medium heat, allowing the chicken to sear slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the chicken cook in its juices for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the chicken does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
- After 20 minutes, check the chicken for doneness. If it is cooked through and tender, remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high. This will help to thicken the gravy and enhance the flavors. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring gently.
- Once the chicken is well-cooked and the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency, taste and adjust the salt if necessary. Remove from heat.
- Serve the Kerala Style Pepper Chicken hot, garnished with fresh curry leaves. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, appam, or roti.
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes, but for even better results, consider marinating it for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This will intensify the flavors and make the chicken more tender.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of black pepper and green chilies. Conversely, if you love heat, feel free to add extra pepper or a pinch of red chili powder.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh curry leaves and high-quality spices can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish. Try to source these ingredients from an Indian grocery store for the best results.
- Control the Gravy Consistency: If you like a thicker gravy, let the dish simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes after the chicken is cooked through. This will help reduce the sauce and concentrate the flavors.
- Perfect Pairings: Serve your Kerala Style Pepper Chicken with steamed rice, appam, or roti to soak up the delicious gravy. A side of cucumber raita can also help balance the heat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
