“Natu Kodi Pulusu: A Spicy and Flavorful Chicken Curry from Rayalaseema”

Natu Kodi Pulusu is a popular traditional dish from the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is a flavorful and spicy chicken curry prepared with country (free-range) chicken and a rich blend of spices. Here’s a recipe for Natu Kodi Pulusu:

Ingredients:

• – 1 kg country chicken (cut into pieces)
• – 2 onions (finely chopped)
• – 2 tomatoes (chopped)
• – 2 green chilies (slit lengthwise)
• – 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• – 1 tablespoon red chili powder
• – 1 tablespoon coriander powder
• – 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• – 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• – 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• – 1/4 cup tamarind pulp
• – A handful of fresh coriander leaves (chopped)
• – Salt to taste
• – Oil for cooking

For the spice paste:

• – 2 tablespoons desiccated coconut
• – 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• – 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• – 1-inch cinnamon stick
• – 4-5 cloves
• – 4-5 green cardamom pods
• – 1 teaspoon fennel seeds

Instructions:

1. 1.In a pan, dry roast the ingredients for the spice paste until fragrant. Allow them to cool, then grind them into a fine powder.
2. 2.Heat oil in a large, deep pan or a pressure cooker. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. 3.Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies to the pan. Sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
4. 4.Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook them until they turn slightly brown on all sides.
5. 5.Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
6. 6.Now, add the red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, and the ground spice paste. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
7. 7.Pour in the tamarind pulp and add salt to taste. Mix everything together.
8. 8.Add enough water to cover the chicken pieces. If using a pressure cooker, close the lid and cook for about 4-5 whistles. If using a pan, cover and simmer until the chicken is tender and cooked through (around 30-40 minutes).
9. 9.Once the chicken is cooked, sprinkle garam masala and fresh coriander leaves. Give it a final stir.
10. 10.Serve Natu Kodi Pulusu hot with steamed rice or roti. Enjoy the spicy and flavorful chicken curry from Rayalaseema!

Note:

Adjust the spice levels according to your preference. You can add more or fewer green chilies and red chili powder to suit your taste.

Please note that cooking times and ingredient quantities may vary based on personal preferences and stove settings.