Coorgi Koli Saaru / Coorgi Chicken Curry

 Koli Saaru is a delectable Chicken dish from the region of Coorg. The curry is made with freshly ground spices which enhances the flavor of the curry. It's simple to make. It's served as a side dish, it's eaten with Akki Roti or Rice. I have used pressure cooker to speed up the time, but you can also slow cook it in a pot. 

To Marinate the Chicken

Ingredients

750 grams Chicken pieces washed and cleaned

1 tsp Turmeric powder

1 tsp Chilli powder

Salt to taste

Method

Marinate the chicken with turmeric powder, chilli powder and salt for 1 hour.

For the Masala powder

Ingredients

1 tsp Mustard seeds

1 tsp Black Pepper corns

1 tbsp Coriander Seeds

1 tsp Cumin seeds

5 Cloves

1 medium stick Cinnamon

Method

Dry roast the mustard seeds, black pepper,coriander seeds and cumin seeds till a strong aroma releases. Cool it and grind them into a powder.

For the Wet Paste

1 Medium size  Onion chopped

1 Medium size Tomato chopped

6 Garlic Pods

1 Inch Ginger

2 Green Chillies

1/2 tsp Roasted Poppy seeds - I have not added

1/2 cup fresh or frozen grated Coconut

Method

In a grinder, grind the Onion, Tomato, Garlic, Ginger, Green Chillies and Coconut into a paste.

To make the Curry

Ingredients

Marinated Chicken

1 medium size Onion finely chopped

Few Curry Leaves

Wet Paste

1/2 tsp Kachampuli (Black Vinegar)

OR

1 tsp Tamarind paste

1 1/2 tbsp Dry Masala powder

Salt to taste 

3 Tbsp Oil

Method

Take a pressure cooker. Add oil, let the oil heat up, add the onion and curry leaves. Sauté on the onion medium heat for 2 minutes. Add the wet paste, stir it and cook for 3 minutes on a medium low heat. Add 1/4 cup water and continue to cook for 2 minutes more. Add the chicken pieces, stir and cook for a minute. Add the powder masala. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes. Add 1 1/2 cups of water. Stir for a minute. Cover the pressure cooker and allow 4 whistles. Switch off the flame and let the pressure release. Open the lid. Add salt and tamarind paste and stir the curry. Let it the curry simmer for another 2 minutes. Serve the Koli Saaru with Akki roti or Rice.