Savoring Chettinad Masala: A South Indian Culinary
Chettinad cuisine, hailing from the vibrant state of Tamil Nadu in South India, is renowned for its rich flavors, aromatic spices, and mouthwatering gravies.
At the heart of this culinary tradition lies the exquisite Chettinad Masala, which with its distinct blend of spices transforms ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences. One of the key ingredients that sets Chettinad cuisine apart is "stone flower," also known as "Kalpasi" or "Dagad Phool." This unique spice imparts a distinctive earthy flavor to dishes, making them a true gastronomic delight. It also owes its unique character to the artful combination of Indian spices, all rooted in tradition.
Here's a list of ingredients you'll need to prepare an authentic Chettinad Chicken Gravy:
For the Spice Paste:
1. 1 tablespoon of stone flower (Kalpasi)
2. 2 tablespoons of coriander seeds
3. 1 tablespoon of cumin seeds
4. 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds
5. 8-10 dried red chilies (adjust to taste)
6. 1-inch piece of cinnamon
7. 4-5 cloves
8. 4-5 green cardamom pods
9. 10-12 black peppercorns
For the Chettinad Chicken Gravy:
1. 500 grams of chicken, cut into pieces
2. 2 onions, finely chopped
3. 3 tomatoes, finely chopped
4. 1/4 cup of grated coconut
5. 2 tablespoons of ginger-garlic paste
6. 1 sprig of curry leaves
7. 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
8. 1/2 cup of tamarind extract
9. Salt to taste
10. Water, as needed
11. Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Dry roast the spices for the paste: In a dry pan, roast coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, dried red chilies, cinnamon, cloves, green cardamom, and black peppercorns until they release their aroma. Let them cool.
2. Grind the spice paste: Once the spices have cooled, grind them into a fine powder. Add stone flower (Kalpasi) and grated coconut to the grinder, then blend them into a smooth paste by adding a little water.
3. Prepare the Chettinad Chicken Gravy: Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and curry leaves, cooking for a couple of minutes.
4. Add the spice paste: Add the ground spice paste and sauté for a few more minutes until the oil separates from the masala.
5. Incorporate the chicken: Add the chicken pieces and cook until they turn white on all sides.
6. Include tomatoes: Add the finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
7. Tamarind extract: Pour in the tamarind extract and season with salt to taste. Allow the gravy to simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the chicken is tender.
8. Adjust the consistency: Adjust the consistency of the gravy by adding water as needed. Simmer for a few more minutes.
9. Garnish and serve: Garnish the Chettinad Chicken Gravy with fresh coriander leaves and serve it hot with steamed rice or dosa.
It is true that one can do all the above elaborative cooking only if time permits. In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's not uncommon for individuals to have a jam-packed schedule, leaving little time for elaborate cooking. We often find ourselves yearning for a homemade, restaurant-quality meal without the hours of prep and cooking. This is where ready-to-cook masala kits come to the rescue, simplifying the process and making it possible for even the busiest person to enjoy the flavors
Thanks to MagMary's ready-to-cook premix, you can now bring the authentic taste of Chettinad to your kitchen with ease.
MagMary India offers an authentic and easy solution to savor Chettinad cuisine at home. Their ready-to-cook premix of Chettinad Masala is perfect for those who desire the real taste of South India without the hassle of grinding spices.
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Where can you buy Hearty Meals Premix?
You can order MagMary's Chettinad Masala from their website, www.magmary.in for an instant Chettinad cuisine that's easy to cook in just one step. It's also conveniently available on Amazon India and Jiomart, making it accessible to too.