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A fiery and aromatic South Indian curry featuring tender country chicken simmered in a freshly ground Chettinad masala. This village-style dish is packed with bold spices and the rich flavor of roasted coconut.
For 4 servings
Marinate the Chicken
Prepare the Chettinad Masala Paste
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A fiery and aromatic chicken curry from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu. Tender chicken is cooked in a flavorful gravy made with freshly roasted spices, coconut, and a hint of tanginess. A true classic for spice lovers.
A fragrant and spicy chicken curry from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu. This thin, flavorful gravy, known as salna, is packed with freshly ground spices and is the perfect side for parottas, idiyappam, or dosas.
A fiery and aromatic South Indian curry featuring tender country chicken simmered in a freshly ground Chettinad masala. This village-style dish is packed with bold spices and the rich flavor of roasted coconut.
This chettinad recipe takes 85 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 571.39 calories per serving with 42.06g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Cook the Curry Base
Sauté Chicken and Masala
Simmer the Kolambu
Garnish and Serve
Broiler chicken can be used instead of country chicken. Reduce the simmering time to 20-25 minutes as it cooks much faster.
Increase or decrease the number of dried red chilies and black peppercorns to adjust the heat. For a milder version, use Kashmiri red chilies which provide color without excessive heat.
For a richer, creamier gravy, add a teaspoon of poppy seeds (khus khus) and 5-6 cashew nuts while roasting the masala ingredients before grinding.
Country chicken is an excellent source of high-quality lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall body function.
The blend of spices like turmeric, black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon is packed with antioxidants and compounds that have anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting properties.
Spices like cumin, fennel, and coriander seeds are traditionally known to aid digestion, reduce bloating, and improve gut health.
Chicken is a good source of phosphorus and protein, both of which are crucial for maintaining healthy bones and teeth.
Nattukozhi is the Tamil name for country chicken, which are free-range birds. They have leaner, tougher meat with a more intense, gamey flavor compared to commercially raised broiler chickens. This robust flavor is what makes this dish special.
Yes, you can use broiler chicken. However, the flavor and texture will be different. If using broiler chicken, reduce the simmering time to about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Nattukozhi Kolambu can be part of a healthy diet. Country chicken is a great source of lean protein and is lower in fat than broiler chicken. The spices used, like turmeric and pepper, have anti-inflammatory properties. However, the dish uses oil and coconut, so it should be consumed in moderation.
A typical serving of Nattukozhi Kolambu (around 420g) contains approximately 450-550 calories. The exact count depends on the amount of oil used and the fat content of the chicken.
This curry pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, idiyappam (string hoppers), dosas, appam, or flaky parottas. The gravy is perfect for soaking up with bread or mixing with rice.
Leftovers 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.