Meanwhile, Konda's quarterly exams are over and her 10 days of vacation starts today. Athamma already said, if she is going to become very naughty, she will send her off to Amma's place, which I know is going to happen anyways. She was up with us very late last night. I was telling her that she ought to hit the bed, if she has to get up early. She gave me that look and said, 'I have studied everything'. I said even then, you ought sleep now. Then asked her what's her plan for the next 10 days, I said I know for sure you are going to drive everybody crazy! She said it will be great if she was sent to her cousin's place! Well no answers for that anyways..
I have few things in mind to occupy her, but just wondering when I am going to get time to sit with her to make that. I remembered stitching dresses for my dolls when I was her age. Nobody taught me nor did Amma ever stop me from trying my hand with needle and thread. I wonder why I am so scared to let Konda touch the needle. But I thought when Amma never objected me on any of these things, I should also treat Konda same. So I have got some cloths that I am planning to sit with her and make dresses for dolls. Hope they come out as cute as I remember mine used to be!
This Pepper Chicken Curry was something that was made ages back. This is another favorite chicken variety at home. Though when I make it for Dad, I reduce the spice of the chilies and peppers. I prepare this with both Red Chilis and Green chilies. And use freshly ground masala powder. I don't use garam masala as I grind everything together for the powder. In this version, I used Red chilies, you can use green chilies too. Hubby dear liked it a lot, maybe because it was spicy. So go easy on the spiciness if you end up trying it. This can be prepared both as a dry version and curry version. Well with the curry name, you know I meant this to be part of the Curry Mela, which I am still getting the act together!
Chicken - 500 gms
Onions - 3 medium
Tomatoes - 2 medium
Ginger Garlic paste - 1 tsp
Chili powder - 1/2 tsp
Curry leaves - 5-8
Coriander leaves for garnish.
Oil - 2 tsp
Salt to taste
Roasted Masala:
Peppercorns - 10 - 15 nos
Red Chili long - 2
Cloves - 4
Cinnamon - 2"
Bay Leaf - 1
Anise - 1
Fennel Seeds - 3/4 tsp
Wash and cut Chicken to desired size.
Dry roast all the ingredients listed under masala. Allow it cool and grind to a fine powder.
Heat a pressure cooker with oil. Sauté curry leaves and onions till pink, then add ginger garlic paste.
Then add the chicken and allow it to brown. Once done, add the tomatoes and chili powder, salt. Cook on high for 2 mins, allowing the water from the chicken to evaporate. Simmer for 2 mins covered.
Then add 1 cup of water and pressure cook till the chicken gets tender. Once the pressure is off, remove cover and again cook it in open.
Add the ground masala and combine everything well. Simmer for 5- 10 mins. Add the coriander leaves.
If you want this to be dry, reduce the onions to 1&1/2 to 2 medium. After pressure cook, let the water get evaporated completely. Then add the ground masala and sauté till you get a nice coating to the chicken but the liquid has all gone.
Note: The combination of all chili powder, dry chili and the pepper corns make this very spicy. So go easy on that if you can't handle spicy stuff.
This makes a great side dish for Rice, Roti or even as a starter if you can handle the hot!
Sending this to Ruth, who is hosting the Monthly Mingle this month, themed on Sensational Sides.
Vani says
That looks delicious, Srivalli! My last post was a pepper based chicken too. Do take a look when you get a chance.
Vani says
It's not your fault at all. I forgot to tell you that I mentioned the fundraiser in the post. Thanks for doing that, btw. I hope Lakshmi gets well soon.
SriLekha says
its my all time favorite! looking very hot and spicy!
Manasi says
The spicier, the better, right? I remember having tasted pepper chicken in Banglore a long time ago and this looks pretty close to it. I have to try this now. Making dresses for dolls seems like such a lost activity now. Its great that you can share all this with your daughter. Hope you guys have loads of fun!
alka says
I had tasted it just once in my life...it was on our trip to Goa..and i remember i stuffed myself so much that for next two meals i didnt dared to go near the nonveg stall...but it was so tasty and spicy and its taste still lingers in my mouth...urs look too good to overlook....i wish my family start eating chicken someday and i get chance to cook such wonderful yummy treats for myself
indosungod says
I am all for the pepper chicken. Looks great Valli. Yes we are so scared of the kids getting hurt that we stop them from being kids. But our parents gave us all the freedom and we turned out fine 🙂
Happy cook says
Love the chicken. Looks spicy and delicious.
Yeah knowing Konda i am sure she is going to drvie averybody crazy in a goodway.
Shyama also used to stich dresses for he dolls, nobody showed her she just did it herself.
Wel you coudn't say which was the top and the bottom anyway.
But she was busy with it for days 🙂
Kitchen says
Wow looks perfect and gr8. Looking forward to see all the beautiful creations by u and u r daughter.
Ann says
sree,I am really sorry that i couldnt contact you.I hope you can understand.I will write to you soon
This spicy chicken seems wonderful !
How is Konda now ? did you give needle ? haha we all are like that valli.like we often imagine the outcome,not the enjoyment part!
karuna says
yummy pepper chicken
Anjum says
Its mouth watering ..i love spicy food.
Jaya says
Sri,
I dont mind that extra spice in my chicken dishes LOL..
Pepper Chicken curry looks so mouth-watering .
hugs and smiles
Jude says
Love the spiciness in this dish. If you're not sweating then it's not good enough!
chandni says
have been looking for a pepper chicken recipe....now that I found urs I am trying it out tonight!!
One question - do u use boness chicken or with bones?? which is better suited for this recipe?
Srivalli says
Manasi, agree on that!...sure hope we can do it soon!
alka, I wish your family does soon!..
indo, you are so right!..wish I get over my fear..
Hc, thanks..thats sweet of you say!..
Ann, Thats fine, write to me when you find time
chandni, sorry for the late reply. You can use either way. But boneless makes it easy to feed kids..
Meeta says
to hot to handle! perfect for me. Valli this ooks exceptional. my mouth is watering already! thanks for the entry!
Ruth E says
This looks delicious!!!! A great entry to the mingle, thank you!