Ammachi Chicken Roast

Ingredients

• Chicken, boneless - 250 g
• Turmeric powder - 2 tsp
• Kashmiri red chili powder - 1 tbsp
• Coriander powder - 2 tsp
• Coconut milk, thick - 1/4 cup
• Clove - 3 whole
• Cinnamon stick - 1 whole
• Cardamom pod - 1 whole
• Garlic - 1 tsp
• Ginger - 1/2 tsp
• Green chili - 3 whole
• Onion - 1 whole
• Tomato - 1 whole
• Chicken stock - 1/4 cup
• Coconut bits (thengakothu) - 1/2 tsp
• Fennel seed powder - 1/4 tsp
• Curry leaves - 2 whole
• Salt, to taste
• Coconut oil, for frying

Instructions

1. 1In a bowl, combine 1 tsp turmeric powder, 2 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, 3 tbsp coconut milk and salt; add the chicken pieces and mix thoroughly with your hands, then refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. 2Heat coconut oil in a pan and fry the marinated chicken pieces until they are lightly browned; remove and keep aside. Fry the curry leaves in the same oil until crisp and set them aside with the chicken.
3. 3Heat 2 tbsp oil in another pan (you can use some of the coconut oil used for frying). Add the cloves, cinnamon and cardamom and cook until fragrant, then stir in the coconut bits.
4. 4Add the garlic, ginger, green chilies and onion; sauté until the onion softens and begins to turn brown, releasing its sweetness.
5. 5Add the tomato and sauté until it softens, then stir in the chili powder, coriander powder and turmeric powder that have been mixed with a little water to prevent burning.
6. 6Add the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil so the spices bloom into the liquid.
7. 7Return the fried chicken pieces to the pan and toss well so every piece is coated in the masala.
8. 8Add the remaining coconut milk and mix thoroughly to combine and enrich the sauce.
9. 9Stir in the fennel seed powder and cook on low flame until the mixture dries and the chicken pieces are well coated with the roast masala.
10. 10Garnish with the fried curry leaves and serve with rice as a side dish.
11. 11Optional: squeeze a little lemon or lime over the chicken just before serving for a bright finish.