Chettinad Chicken Sukka, also known as Chukka Varuval, is a flavorful and spicy dish from Chettinad cuisine in Tamil Nadu, South India. This versatile side dish pairs perfectly with rice, biryani, chapati, dosa, or roti.
Begin by heating oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Add urad dal, fennel seeds, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, cashews, and curry leaves. Sauté until the mixture becomes fragrant and the cashews turn golden.
Next, mix in the onions and keep sautéing until they're soft and translucent.
Now, add the crushed garlic. Keep sautéing until it's completely cooked and the raw smell is gone.
Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears and it becomes aromatic.
Add turmeric powder, chili powder, and salt. Stir everything well so the spices are evenly distributed.
Add the chopped tomatoes and sauté until they soften and form a mushy consistency.
Pour in the water and give the mixture a good stir to combine everything.
Gently add the chicken pieces into the pan, making sure they're fully coated with the spicy mix.
Cover the pan and let the chicken cook on medium heat for about 7 to 10 minutes.
Remove the lid and continue sautéing, allowing the chicken to cook for an additional 7 to 10 minutes.
Sprinkle cumin and pepper powder into the pan and stir them in well.
Lower the heat and let the curry simmer gently. Watch for the gravy to thicken and oil to appear on the surface, which is a sign that the dish is cooked and the spices are well integrated.
For a final touch of richness, optionally drizzle in some ghee. Stir it through the dish until well blended, adding a silky finish and a complex flavor to the dish.
Finish off by sprinkling chopped coriander leaves over the dish just before turning off the heat. This adds a fresh, herby touch to your Chicken Chukka. Now, your delicious chicken chukka is ready to be savored!
Serving
Enjoy your Chettinad Chicken Chukka alongside fluffy white rice, fragrant biryani, soft chapatis, or warm rotis for a complete and satisfying meal experience.
Notes
Here are some helpful tips to perfect your Chicken Chukka:
Sesame Oil: Preferably use sesame oil for its unique flavor; however, other cooking oils can substitute if needed.
Ghee: Adding ghee is optional but recommended for a richer, more authentic flavor.
Chili Powder: Use chili powder in moderation since the blend of spices, dry red chilies, pepper, and cumin already delivers substantial heat.
Gravy: If you prefer your Chicken Chukka with gravy, simply adjust the water amount to achieve the desired consistency.
Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use fresh spices as they greatly enhance the dish's aroma and taste. Fresh ingredients truly make all the difference in elevating your cooking.