Chicken Curry with Coconut

Now that the shell is broken, I am all set to cook and click again. So, here comes a very simple yet delicious recipe, a simple chicken curry with coconut. This is the kind of curry which pairs well with rice, roti, idiyappam, puttu and what not ! It is not only easy, but also has this great aroma which reminds me so much of home. The coconut getting fried... The final seasoning with coconut oil... Well, let me not explain more.

Ingredients :

• Chicken : 1/2 kg / 1.1 lb
• Onion : 1 large, chopped
• Tomato : 2 medium, chopped
• Ginger garlic paste : 1 tsp
• Turmeric powder : 1/4 tsp
• Garam masala : 1 tsp
• Chicken masala : 2 tsp
• Salt : to taste
• Water : 1/4 cup

To Grind :

• Coconut : 1 cup
• Dried red chillies : 2 nos.
• Coriander seeds : 1/2 tsp
• Cumin seeds : 1/4 tsp
• Fennel seeds : 1/2 tsp

To Temper :

• Curry leaves : 1 sprig
• Mustard seeds : 1 tsp
• Dried red chillies : 2-3 nos.

Method :

1. Wash and clean the chicken pieces and marinate with turmeric powder and salt.
2. Heat a frying pan, add the coconut, red chillies, coriander seeds, fennel seeds and cumin seeds to this.
3. Dry roast this well, till the coconut turns light brown. Take care not to burn the coconut.
4. Keep this aside, let it cool down.
5. In a kadai, add a teaspoon of coconut oil (or any oil as per your wish).
6. When the oil is heated, add the onions, saute well.
7. Add the ginger garlic paste to this and saute.
8. Add the chopped tomatoes to this.
9. When the tomatoes turn mushy, add the garam masala and chicken masala.
10. After mixing this well, add the marinated chicken pieces to this and coat with the masala.
11. Add one quarter cup of water, close and let it cook.
12. Check in between for the doneness of the chicken.
13. Meanwhile grind the coconut mixture to a very smooth paste.
14. When the chicken is just cooked, add the coconut paste to this and mix well.
15. Let this boil for five to ten minutes or till desired consistency.
16. Generally this curry thickens as it stands.