Chettinad Chicken fry

This Spicy Chettinad Pepper Chicken Fry/Roast is a succulent Tamil style recipe. Its ready under 45 minutes and though it is a dry roast, its got enough masala coating the chicken to be had with rotis.

1. Put the chicken in a large bowl along with the ginger, turmeric and chilli powder. Stir well and leave to marinate for 20 minutes.

2. Use a pestle and mortar to lightly bash the fennel seeds, cinnamon, dried chillies and peppercorns, and set aside.

3. Heat the oil over a medium heat in a wok or large frying pan. Add the mustard seeds and, when they begin to pop, fry for 10 seconds. Add the crushed spices and fry for a minute. Add the curry leaves and, as they splutter, add the onion. Fry for 7-8 minutes, stirring often. Add the marinated chicken and turn the heat up slightly, frying for 4 minutes. Season with a little salt.

4. Lower the heat, cover and cook the chicken for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through.

5. Add the tomatoes and continue cooking uncovered for 4-5 minutes. Sprinkle over the coriander and serve with rotis or parathas.