Chicken Pepper Fry -Ramadan Special

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:

  • 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
  • 3/4 tsp salt

• For the Masala:

  • 3 tbsp coconut oil
  • 2 medium onions, sliced
  • 2 green chilies, slit
  • 1.5 inch ginger, crushed
  • 1 pod garlic, crushed
  • 1 tsp whole black peppercorns (coarsely ground)
  • 1/2 tsp fennel seeds (coarsely ground)
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala (optional)
  • 1 tbsp coconut vinegar
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with lemon juice, turmeric powder, black pepper powder, and salt. Mix well and set aside for 10-15 minutes.

2. Prepare the Masala: Heat coconut oil in a pan or kadai. Add the onions and green chilies. Saute on medium heat until the onions are light golden brown.

3. Add the ginger, garlic, and curry leaves. Saute for another minute until fragrant.

4. Add the ground black peppercorns, fennel seeds, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and garam masala (if using). Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes.

5. Pour in the coconut vinegar and season with salt to taste.

6. Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan and coat them well with the masala.

7. Cover the pan and cook on medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

8. Uncover the pan and increase the heat slightly. Stir occasionally until the gravy thickens and oil starts to separate.

Tips:

• You can adjust the amount of black pepper according to your spice preference.
• For a richer flavor, use coconut milk instead of water. Add it after the chicken is cooked and simmer for a few minutes.
• This dish is traditionally served with steamed rice, parotta, or appam.
• During Ramadan, this dish can be enjoyed for Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) or Iftar (evening meal).

Ramadan Special Touch:

Since this is a recipe for Ramadan, you can add a few special touches:

• Dates: Finely chop a few dates and add them to the masala along with the spices. This will give the dish a hint of sweetness that complements the peppery flavor.
• Fried Shallots: Fry a handful of thinly sliced shallots until golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle them over the cooked chicken pepper fry for a bit of extra crunch and texture.

Enjoy this delicious and flavorful Kerala-style Chicken Pepper Fry during Ramadan!