Kundapura Chicken Curry/ Kundapura Koli Saaru

Kundapura Chicken Curry is a traditional chicken preparation popular along the coastal belt of Mangalore - Udupi - Kundapura region. It is an excellent accompaniment for kori rotti, sanna , neeru dosa and rice as well.

So that is another jog down the memory lane.
Takes me back to Brahmavar and the tastes of Brahmavar which I grew up to love. It's not just the food but also the special people in my life who cooked this for me. My two akkas Geetha akka and Sabitha akka who took care of me and my sister just like their kids. I am sure Geetha akka is still waiting for me to get home to prepare her special dishes.

Here I have the recipe of Kundapura Chicken for you -

Ingredients

1. Onions - 2 chopped
2. Tomato - 1 chopped
3. Curry Leaves - 1 sprig
4. Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
5. Coconut milk - 1 cup
6. Chicken - 1/2 kg
7. Oil
8. salt to taste

For the paste -

1. Ginger - 1 tsp chopped
2. Garlic - 1 tsp chopped
3. Cinnamon sticks - 1 inch stick
4. Cloves - 5 to 6
5. Whole pepper - 1 tsp
6. Coriander seeds -  2 tsp
7. Red Chilly - 4 to 5
8. Grated coconut - 1/2 cup

Preparation 

Dry roast the ingredients 1 to 7 under for the paste for 2 minutes. Add the grated coconut and dry roast till the coconut becomes dry. Let this cool for a while and wet grind this to a paste.

In a separate pan, heat oil, Toss in cumin seeds, curry leaves and fry for a minute. Add the chopped onions and tomato. Saute till the onions turn slightly brown. Now add the chicken and the paste. Pour sufficient water, bring it to a boil and reduce the flame. Keep it covered and let it cook.  Once the chicken is cooked, add coconut milk bring it boil and switch off the flame.

Whats special about Kundapura koli saaru is that it goes along well with almost anything. Be it rice , dosa, idli or even chapati.

You may also note - 

• Do not over roast the dry ingredients. 
• Add coconut milk, only if you need more gravy.