South Indian food never disappoints us, doesn’t it? From light and fluffy upma for breakfast to delicious, comforting curries for lunch and dinner, South Indian cuisine has something for everyone. The region offers a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine, each with its own unique taste. When it comes to non-vegetarian curries, every part of South India has its own version of chicken curry, like Andhra style, Chettinad and many more. The list of options is endless! Today, we’re adding another one to your list: a delicious, healthy South Indian Coconut Chicken Curry recipe. So, if you want to bring those authentic South Indian flavors to your kitchen, this is for you! But before you start cooking, here are some essential tips you need to know to get it right. Let’s dive in!
1. Marinate the chicken properly
To make any chicken curry shine, it is important to marinate the chicken. Without it, the curry will not turn out the same. For South Indian Coconut Chicken Curry, firstly place the chicken in a bowl and wash it thoroughly. Then marinate it with curd, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric and salt for at least 30 minutes. You can adjust the timing based on your schedule, but make sure you don’t skip this step! A solid 30-minute marinade makes the chicken tender and juicy.
2. Use curry leaves and mustard seeds
This South Indian curry gets its iconic flavor from mustard seeds and curry leaves. Cook them in coconut oil to get the best taste. The temperature of the oil matters, so be sure to heat it correctly. Add mustard seeds and wait for them to crackle. Once they are cooked, add the curry leaves and fry them for a few seconds to infuse the oil with that wonderful aroma.
3. Add tamarind in right quantity
The flavor of curry really depends on how you balance the ingredients. And tamarind pulp? This is a complicated matter. Too much, and your curry will be too sour, so you have to get the balance right. Use 2 teaspoons tamarind pulp for 1 kg chicken. If you’re cooking with a pound of chicken, one tablespoon is perfect.
4. Cook it on low flame
A slow and slow pace should be adopted while cooking this curry. By boiling on low flame, the spices mix together beautifully, which enhances the taste of the gravy. Also, it prevents the spices from burning. Even when cooked on low flame, chicken becomes very tender. If you cook it on high heat, the meat may become tough and dry. Let the chicken cook in its own juices for the best flavor!
5. Right time to add coconut milk
The coconut milk is what makes this curry creamy and dreamy. Homemade coconut milk is your best option for the best taste, but if you are using packaged coconut milk, make sure it is free from artificial flavors or preservatives. – Always add coconut milk to the curry on low flame and cook slowly. This prevents the milk from curdling and ensures that your curry remains smooth and velvety.
Click here for the full recipe of South Indian Coconut Curry. Keep these tips in mind the next time you make this chicken curry, and you’ll be all set to impress!
