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Kurumulaku – Kerala Style Pepper Chicken


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4.8 from 17 reviews

  • Author: Nisa Homey
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Diet: Omnivore, Gluten-Free

Description

A quick, flavorful dry roast chicken dish from Kerala. Adjust the spices to your liking!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lbs (750 g) Chicken Thighs
  • 2 whole Onion
  • 2 whole Green chilies
  • 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) Ginger
  • 1 whole Garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) Kashmiri chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) Coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) Garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Coconut vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) Turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) Pepper powder
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) Whole black peppercorns
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) Fennel seeds
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) Coconut oil
  • 2 sprigs Curry leaves
  • 3/4 teaspoon (4 g) Salt
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon Lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Marinating the Chicken
  2. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon pepper powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
  4. Preparing the Spice Mix
  5. Grind the Spices: Coarsely grind the whole black peppercorns and fennel seeds using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder. Set aside.
  6. Cooking the Base
  7. Heat the Pan: Heat 3 tablespoons of coconut oil in an iron kadai (or cast iron skillet) over medium heat.
  8. Sauté Onions and Chilies: Add the sliced onions and slit green chilies to the pan. Sauté until the onions turn light brown, about 3-4 minutes.
  9. Add Ginger and Garlic: Add the finely chopped ginger and garlic. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  10. Add Dry Spices: Add Kashmiri chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder. Mix well and sauté for another minute.
  11. Season to Taste: Taste and adjust salt if needed.
  12. Cooking the Chicken
  13. Add Chicken and Vinegar: Add the marinated chicken to the pan and mix well. Pour in the coconut vinegar.
  14. Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook the chicken until it is cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. If there is excess water, increase the heat to high to evaporate it.
  15. Add Ground Spices: Once the chicken is cooked and the water has evaporated, add the coarsely ground pepper and fennel mixture. Mix well.
  16. Dry Roast: Continue to cook on low flame for another 5 minutes or until the chicken turns a blackish-brown color. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
  17. Finishing Touches
  18. Add Curry Leaves: Sprinkle the curry leaves over the chicken and give it a final stir.
  19. Serve: Serve the Kerala Style Pepper Chicken hot with rice.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
  • If you don’t have coconut vinegar, you can substitute with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
  • Store leftover Kerala Pepper Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-Frying
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 500
  • Fat: 25
  • Saturated Fat: 10
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20
  • Fiber: 5
  • Protein: 40
  • Cholesterol: 150