Chicken Chalna

This dish needs no introduction. Its a watery gravy which can also be made out of left over cooked chicken. It is often served as a side dish with Parotta,Kal dosa or Briyani. Its famous all over Tamil Nadu. This dish is mostly prepared with chicken or mutton. Its very simple and made fast with pressure cooker. I like to prepare the masala just before cooking so that it gives a fresh flavor. Alternate it with vegetables like carrot,peas for veggie version. I love the aroma of chalna, especially when you dip every piece of parotta in the thin gravy. Its a sure spicy delight !!!!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
Serves:4

Ingredients: For marinate:
1/2 lb chicken pieces, cut 1" thick ( I used chicken thighs)
1 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1/4 tsp salt
For Masala powder:
1 tsp peppercorns
1 tsp fennel seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 inch Cinnamon stick
1 tsp coriander seeds
4 red chillies
For Gravy:
5 tbsp oil
3 cloves garlic
1/2 inch ginger
1/2 cup onion,chopped
1 tomato, chopped
1/2 cup coconut
1/4 cup coriander leaves

Method:

1. Marinate the chicken along with the spices mentioned 30 minutes before cooking.
2. Dry roast peppercorns, fennel seeds, cumin seeds, chilies, cinnamon, coriander seeds in a pan and grind it to powder. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Dry roast coconut pieces in the same pan and grind it to paste along with some water and set aside.

4. Heat the same pan with oil and fry onion,garlic and ginger until they turn golden. Then add chopped tomatoes fry for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the masala powder, coconut paste and salt if required. Transfer this mixture to a cooker along with 1-2 cups of water and pressure cook for 1 whistle. Finally add coriander leaves for garnish. Serve hot with parotta,idly or dosa.
COOK'S FILE:
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HINT: If you don't like to transfer to a cooker in the middle. Start cooking in a cooker from first.
NOTE: Pressure cooking this dish is the easy and fast way. The gravy will retain its flavor and watery consistence.
VARIATION: Substitute vegetables like carrot,peas instead of chicken for vegetarian version.