Andhra Pepper Chicken
Andhra Pepper Chicken is a delicious spicy dish that originates from the Andhra Pradesh region in India. It has a special place in this YummDishes.com website. The dish is known for its bold flavors and fiery taste, making it a favorite among spice lovers. To prepare this mouthwatering chicken recipe, you will need a handful of essential ingredients. These include boneless chicken, preferably cut into small pieces, onions, ginger, garlic, curry leaves, green chilies, peppercorns, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, yogurt, and oil for cooking. These ingredients come together to create a flavorful and aromatic dish that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
The boneless chicken serves as the base of this recipe, allowing the flavors to penetrate and infuse thoroughly. The onions, ginger, and garlic add a depth of flavor, while the curry leaves and green chilies contribute to the spiciness. Peppercorns, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds are roasted and ground, giving the dish its distinct peppery aroma. The combination of turmeric powder and red chili powder lends a vibrant color and a fiery kick to the dish. Lastly, yogurt is added to balance the heat and provide a creamy texture. With these ingredients in hand, you are ready to embark on a gastronomic journey of Andhra Pepper Chicken.
Andhra Pepper Chicken
Ingredients
For marination
- 600 grams Chicken, on the bone,
- 10 cloves Garlic
- 2 inch Ginger
- Juice of 1 Lemon
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
For Pepper Chicken Masala
- 2 Onions, thinly slices
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 1 inch Ginger, finely chopped
- 2 Green Chillies, slit
- Salt, to taste
- 3 springs Curry eaves
- 2-1/2 tbsp Pepper Corns, coarsly pounded
- 4 tbsp Oil, for cooking
For Garnish
- Fresh Corinder, chopped
- 1 tsp Coarsly pounded Pepper Corns
- 1 tsp Lemon Juice
Instructions
- Into a large mixing now, add the chickenpieces along with bones, turmeric powder, ginger garlic paste, lemon juice andsalt. Mix well to combine. Cover the pan, place it in the refrigerator andmarinate the chicken for 30 minutes.
- To make the Andhra Pepper Chicken, in a largewok or a kadai or a deep pan preheat the oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onion, sliced green chillies,chopped ginger and chopped garlic and saute until the onion softens and turnsslightly brown. Stir in the curry leaves
- Once the onions start to brown, add themarinated chicken and saute for about 2 minutes with the onion ginger garlicmasala.
- After couple of minutes, add the corianderpowder and crushed pepper. Stir well, cover the pan and cook on low heatuntil the Andhra Pepper Chicken comes together from sides of the pan. Keepstirring intermittently and sprinkle water as and when required to cook thechicken.
- Cook until the Andhra Pepper Chicken until itis tender and cooked. Once the chicken is soft cooked, open the lid and stir onmedium heat until the moisture evaporated to make it dry.
- Just before you are ready to serve addanother 1 teaspoon crushed pepper, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and chopped corianderleaves and give it a stir.
- Serve Andhra Pepper Chicken Recipe alongwith Steamed rice
Notes
- Quality of Ingredients: Use fresh chicken, preferably with the skin removed but bones in, as bones add more flavor. Freshly ground black pepper and other spices should be used for the best aroma and taste. The quality of spices directly influences the dish’s depth of flavor.
- Balancing Spices: The essence of Andhra Pepper Chicken lies in its spice blend. Black pepper is the star, but it needs to be balanced with other spices like coriander, cumin, and turmeric for a well-rounded flavor. Adjust the quantity of black pepper based on your heat tolerance.
- Marination Time: Marinating the chicken for at least an hour (or overnight, if possible) in the spices and yoghurt helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavors. The acidity in the yoghurt also acts as a tenderizer, making the chicken softer and juicier.
- Cooking on Low Heat: Slow cooking the chicken on a low flame is crucial. It ensures the meat is cooked thoroughly without becoming tough and allows the spices to develop their full flavor.
- Stirring Frequently: Given the high content of spices and the risk of burning, it’s important to stir the chicken frequently during cooking. This prevents the spices from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning, which can impart a bitter taste to the dish.
- Adjusting the Gravy: The consistency of the gravy can be adjusted according to preference. Some like it dry, which is great as a starter or side dish, while others may prefer a bit of gravy to go with rice or bread. Adjust the amount of water accordingly during cooking.
- Finishing with Curry Leaves: Adding fresh curry leaves towards the end of cooking gives the dish a distinct South Indian flavor that’s characteristic of Andhra cuisine. The curry leaves should be fried in a little oil before adding to release their full aroma and flavor.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Sometimes, a little extra salt or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can elevate the flavors beautifully.
Serving suggestions for Andhra Pepper Chicken
One of the best ways to serve Andhra Pepper Chicken is to pair it with steamed rice. The spicy and flavorful chicken curry complements the mildness of the rice, creating a perfect balance of flavors. You can also garnish the dish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for added freshness and visual appeal.
For those who prefer a bread accompaniment, Andhra Pepper Chicken tastes delicious with hot and fluffy naan or roti. The soft and chewy texture of these Indian breads goes hand in hand with the rich and aromatic chicken curry. To enhance the overall experience, you can serve a side of cucumber raita or onion salad, which will provide a cooling effect and complement the spiciness of the dish.
After exploring the rich tapestry of flavors involved in making Andhra Pepper Chicken, one can see how this dish is not just food but a celebration of culture and tradition. Its preparation is a testament to the art of balancing spices, showcasing the culinary prowess inherent in Andhra cuisine. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, Andhra Pepper Chicken leaves a lasting impression, inviting you to delve deeper into the world of Indian gastronomy. It stands as a warm invitation to explore the diversity of flavors that Indian cuisine has to offer, making it a must-try for anyone looking to expand their culinary horizons.