### Chicken Salna Recipe – Tamil Nadu Style
Chicken Salna, referred to as Chicken Chalna, is a mouthwatering chicken curry that holds a prominent place in Tamil Nadu, commonly served alongside flaky South Indian parotta. This dish is frequently found at roadside vendors and restaurants, especially in lively market locales and along highways, where the enticing aroma of the curry draws in passersby to savor this delicious experience.
#### Ingredients
– **For the Chicken Marinade:**
– 500 grams chicken, chopped into pieces
– 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– Salt to taste
– **For the Salna:**
– 2 tablespoons oil (preferably coconut oil)
– 1 large onion, finely sliced
– 2-3 green chilies, slit
– 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
– 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
– 2-3 dried red chilies
– 1 cup coconut, grated
– 1/4 cup roasted chickpeas (puttu kadala)
– 2-3 cups water (adjust as necessary for consistency)
– Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
#### Instructions
1. **Marinate the Chicken:**
– In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, and salt. Allow it to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes.
2. **Prepare the Spice Mix:**
– In a pan, dry roast the cumin seeds, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, and dried red chilies until aromatic. Let it cool, then grind to a fine powder.
3. **Cook the Salna:**
– Heat oil in a large pot over medium flame. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they achieve a golden brown color.
– Incorporate the slit green chilies and ginger-garlic paste, sautéing for a few more minutes until the raw aroma diminishes.
– Introduce the marinated chicken to the pot and cook until evenly browned.
– Mix in the ground spice blend and grated coconut, thoroughly combining to coat the chicken.
– Add the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, approximately 20-25 minutes.
– Stir in the roasted chickpeas and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Modify the consistency by adding more water if necessary.
4. **Garnish and Serve:**
– After cooking, garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with parotta, biryani, appam, or chapati.
#### Conclusion
Chicken Salna is an essential recipe that showcases the rich culinary tradition of Tamil Nadu. Its distinctive blend of spices and creamy coconut texture create an irresistible dish. Whether relished during festive times or as a comforting meal, Chicken Salna is bound to become a beloved addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy it with parotta for the ultimate delight!