Experience the zest of Andhra cuisine with this spicy and delectable chicken fry. Made with unique Vepudu masala, it stands out for its rich and aromatic flavors. Perfect as a starter or a side, it pairs wonderfully with white rice, biryani, ghee rice, chapati, or roti. Enjoy a taste of tradition in every bite!
Place a pan over medium heat and add cinnamon stick, star anise, javitri, cloves, cardamom, fennel seeds, cumin seeds, dry red chili, and coriander seeds. Roast them until they become aromatic, releasing their essential oils and fragrances.
After roasting, transfer the spices to a blender. Grind them into a fine powder. Your Kodi Vepudu masala is now prepared and ready to be used for marinating the chicken.
To Marinate the Chicken
Take medium-sized bone-in chicken pieces in a bowl. Add onion paste, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, salt, and the Kodi Vepudu masala.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring that the masala coats the chicken pieces evenly. For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes before cooking.
To Cook the Chicken
Heat a pan over medium heat and evenly spread the marinated chicken to ensure that the chicken cooks uniformly.
Cover the pan with a lid and cook for approximately 10 minutes. This initial covered cooking helps the chicken retain moisture.
After 10 minutes, open the lid, give the chicken a quick mix, and cover the pan again. This mixing step helps distribute flavors and juices.
Continue cooking for another 10 to 15 minutes with the lid on. This extended cooking time allows the spices to meld and the chicken to cook to perfection.
Gently open the lid, and you'll find the chicken cooked to perfection. If not, feel free to cook for a few more minutes as needed. Once it's just right, it's time for the final step: roasting in oil to achieve that irresistible golden finish.
To Prepare the Chicken or Kodi Vepudu
Heat a pan over medium heat, add oil, and introduce the cooked chicken with masala gravy. Roast it thoroughly until all the moisture in the chicken gravy evaporates.
Now, toss in fresh curry leaves and give the mixture a quick, aromatic mix.
To enhance the flavor, add the cashew nut powder and stir it into the dish. Your spicy Chicken Vepudu is now ready to be savored and enjoyed.
To Serve
Enjoy this delectable Andhra Style Chicken Vepudu fry served with steaming white rice, biryani, chapathi, or parotta. For more pairing ideas, check out our serving suggestions section.
Notes
Here are some essential tips for a perfect Andhra Chicken Fry:
Preparation and Ingredients:
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh spices and grind them for the masala. Freshly ground spices have a more potent flavor than pre-ground spices.
Spice Roasting: Roast the spices on medium heat until aromatic, but be careful not to burn them. This step is essential for both a fresh taste and a rich, spicy flavor in the dish.
Marination Time: For deeper flavors, marinate the chicken for at least 15 to 30 minutes. This allows the spices to fully infuse into the chicken.
Onion Paste: Opt for onion paste over slices to achieve a unique and authentic flavor and texture in the chicken fry.
Oil Selection: Canola oil is a good choice, but for a more traditional taste, consider using sesame oil.
Cashew Nut Powder: Sprinkle cashew nut powder at the end for added richness and aroma. If preferred or for a nut-free alternative, substitute with coconut.
Adjusting Heat: Balance the heat by adjusting the quantity of dry red chili, keeping in mind the overall spice tolerance of your family, as other Indian spices also contribute to the spiciness.
Cooking and Finishing:
Cooking Method: Consider cooking the chicken in a heavy-bottomed pan or a traditional Indian kadai. These utensils help in even cooking and better heat distribution, which is key for a well-cooked fry.
Consistency Control: If you prefer a drier version, reduce the amount of water or cooking time. For a more gravy-like consistency, add a little extra water and simmer.
Resting Time: After cooking, let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors to settle and meld together.
Taste Adjustments: Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Sometimes a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can elevate the entire dish.