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A rustic and aromatic South Indian country chicken curry from Tamil Nadu. Tender chicken is simmered in a freshly ground spice paste of coconut, fennel, and peppercorns, creating a deeply flavorful and spicy gravy perfect with rice or idli.
For 4 servings
Roast and Grind the Masala Paste
Prepare the Curry Base
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A rustic and aromatic South Indian country chicken curry from Tamil Nadu. Tender chicken is simmered in a freshly ground spice paste of coconut, fennel, and peppercorns, creating a deeply flavorful and spicy gravy perfect with rice or idli.
This south_indian recipe takes 75 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 528.49 calories per serving with 41.27g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Sauté Chicken and Spices
Pressure Cook and Finish
If you can't find country chicken, you can use regular broiler chicken. Reduce the pressure cooking time to 3-4 whistles.
If you don't have a pressure cooker, you can cook this in a heavy-bottomed pot. After adding water, cover and simmer on low heat for 60-75 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.
Add chunks of potato or drumsticks along with the chicken for extra texture and flavor. Adjust water and salt accordingly.
For a richer, creamier gravy, you can add 1/4 cup of coconut milk at the end and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. Do not boil after adding coconut milk.
Country chicken is rich in high-quality lean protein, which is essential for muscle building, tissue repair, and overall body function.
Nattu Kozhi is known to have a higher iron content compared to broiler chicken. Iron is crucial for forming hemoglobin, which transports oxygen in the blood, helping to prevent anemia and boost energy levels.
The curry is loaded with spices like turmeric (containing curcumin), black pepper (containing piperine), and ginger, all of which are known for their potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
The combination of spices like cumin, coriander, and fennel, along with ginger and garlic, provides a range of vitamins and minerals that can help strengthen the immune system.
Nattu Kozhi is the Tamil name for country chicken or free-range chicken. It has a leaner, more flavorful meat with a slightly tougher texture compared to commercially raised broiler chicken, which makes it ideal for slow-cooked curries like this kozhambu.
Yes, it can be a healthy dish. Country chicken is a great source of lean protein and is lower in fat than broiler chicken. The spices used, like turmeric, pepper, and coriander, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, it contains coconut and oil, so portion control is advisable for a balanced diet.
A single serving of Nattu Kozhi Kozhambu (approximately 1 cup or 455g) contains around 510-540 calories. The exact count can vary based on the fat content of the chicken and the amount of oil used.
Absolutely. To reduce the heat, decrease the number of dried red chilies and black peppercorns in the masala paste. You can also reduce the amount of red chili powder added later.
Leftover Nattu Kozhi Kozhambu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
This curry pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, idli, dosa, appam, or idiyappam. You can also serve it with parottas or chapatis.