Great Grandmother's Pepper Chicken

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Ruth Isaac (@cookwithruth)

A traditional dry pepper chicken dish with aromatic spices and a hint of vinegar, perfect for serving with rice or bread.

Great Grandmother's Pepper Chicken recipe
Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
15min
Total Time
35min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 250g)

Main Ingredients

  • chicken, jointed
    chicken, jointed
    1kg
  • onions, sliced
    onions, sliced
    3
  • onions, chopped
    onions, chopped
    2
  • turmeric powder
    turmeric powder
    1/2tsp
  • vinegar
    vinegar
    1tbsp
  • freshly ground pepper powder
    freshly ground pepper powder
    1tsp
  • stick cinnamon
    stick cinnamon
    1
  • cloves
    cloves
    5clove
  • curry leaves
    curry leaves
    2sprigs
  • oil
    oil
    2tbsp
  • water
    water
    1/2cup
  • salt
    salt
    1tsp
  • boiled potatoes quartered and pan fried for garnish
    boiled potatoes quartered and pan fried for garnish
    2
  • curry leaves for garnish
    curry leaves for garnish
    3sprigs

How to make Great Grandmother's Pepper Chicken

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Roast the cinnamon and cloves, then powder them and set aside. Or use 3/4 tsp cinnamon powder and 1/2 tsp clove powder.

Cooking

  1. Step 1

    Cook the chicken with 2 chopped onions, turmeric, water, salt, vinegar, and pepper. Once done, set aside.

  2. Step 2

    Heat oil in a frying pan and add curry leaves, followed by the sliced onions. Fry until golden brown.

    Step 2.1: Heat oil in a frying pan and add curry leaves, followed by the sliced onions
    Step 2.2: Heat oil in a frying pan and add curry leaves, followed by the sliced onions
    Step 2.3: Heat oil in a frying pan and add curry leaves, followed by the sliced onions
  3. Step 3

    Add the cooked chicken to the pan, reserving the stock, and gently stir fry until brown.

  4. Step 4

    Add the reserved stock and simmer until it evaporates.

  5. Step 5

    Add the roasted and powdered spices, gently mix, and remove from heat.

Serving

  1. Step 1

    Garnish with fried potatoes (optional) and curry leaves.

    Step 3.1: Garnish with fried potatoes (optional) and curry leaves
  2. Step 2

    Serve with curd rice, white rice, or bread.

    Step 3.1: Serve with curd rice, white rice, or bread

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

508.8kcal (25.44%)

Protein

44.0g (88%)

Carbs

1.3g (0.45%)

Sugars

0.1g (0.26%)

Healthy Fat

20.1g

Unhealthy Fat

7.5g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. If you prefer a gravy, add more water and simmer for an additional 2 minutes before removing from heat.

FAQS

  1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

    Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but the cooking time may be slightly reduced.

  2. How can I make this dish spicier?

    Increase the amount of freshly ground pepper powder to taste.

  3. What can I serve with this pepper chicken?

    It pairs well with curd rice, white rice, or bread.

  4. Can I prepare this dish in advance?

    Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and reheat before serving.

  5. Is there a substitute for curry leaves?

    There is no exact substitute, but you can use bay leaves for a different flavour.

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Ruth Isaac

(@cookwithruth)

I am an Applied Psychologist with a passion for cooking and helping people change their lives through Food Therapy (Nutrition and Cooking Classes)...

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