Masala Fried Chicken

I choose not to pigeonhole this recipe as curry, but it could be just that. Curry - in fried, zestfully sizzled form, tailed with Indian masala. 

Masala fried chicken is what I call it.

Why? I'll tell you

a) I came up with the recipe several years ago, made it on numerous occasions, but it really doesn't have a name. (This post officially covers the naming ceremony).

b) It is fried, with peeks of garam masala.

In India, we have many creative approaches when it comes to transforming your everyday poultry. A curry can be devised as a vehicle to fashion chicken in a pantheon of innovative ways- spicy, sweet, sour, dry, saucy, more masala, less spice, onions sliced, onions ground, tomatoes in , tomatoes out, the list goes on.

This particular one is just one of those ways...my culinary nod to taste, guess and make- intense desire to replicate gloriousness after trying it, in a Chicage restaurant(?). Or was it the random appetizer had at some random dinner party where I was a random houseguest? Maybe, it came from the recesses of my mind, an expressive cooking accident result, when my lazy self, did not feel the need to unload a whole pantry of ingredients to make one simple chicken fry (the general elaborateness of Indian dishes can be a good thing if time, propensity permit). I honestly think it's a coalition of  all three.

Knowing that, this fried chicken is dressed in scant spices. Coated chicken pieces, along with crisped onions, a handful of adjusting ingredients finetunes into a dry- curried synthesis. Incidentally, that is exactly what lends to its remarkable South Indian flavor.

Dashes of pepper, a pinch of turmeric, and a few sprinkles of the garam will transport you through the ultimate flavored poultry experience of all time. 

The platter is one of my son's favorites. Z, who, unlike the rest of us, does not enjoy bucketloads of spice. Despite the army of serranos amassing its frame, which for the fainter- palated can be deseeded or replaced with milder cousin, jalapeno, this dish really does not tip to fire-breathing heights.

Further tasting and inevitable finger licking might have you doing somersaults, perhaps boldly proclaim a beyond-love of Indian cooking. Moreover, the guests you serve this to, will be enchanted, hailing you as the consummate guru of the creative Indian kitchen. 

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. cut up chicken (2 inch pieces; preferably bone-in thigh )
• 2 tbsp black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
• 1/2 tsp turmeric 
• 1 tsp salt
• 12 serranos (or jalapenos)
• 12 cloves garlic
• 2 inch piece ginger
• 1/4 cup oil
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp salt or more to season
• 1 handful cilantro (chopped fine)

Method:

• Coat chicken pieces in black pepper, turmeric, salt.
• Crush or grind serranos, garlic and ginger together, slight chunky but well combined. 
• Heat oil on medium flame. Place chicken pieces a few at a time in oil. Fry through until pieces are golden and cooked through, covering pan occasionally so that they get evenly cooked.
• Repeat until all chicken pieces are fried. Take out and drain on paper towels.
• In same oil, fry onions until light brown, past translucent stage, about 4 minutes.
• If much oil remains, take out excess using a ladle. Let enough remain to saute the final ingredients ( about 1-2 tablespoons).
• Saute garlic, ginger, serrano mixture till soft and cooked (about 3 minutes). Add in tomatoes and cook through for an additional minute.
• Switch to medium - low flame, put in the fried chicken pieces. Mix in garam masala, black pepper, salt and cilantro. Combine well.
• Take off flame.
• Serve warm.

Feeds a group of 4-6 hungry guests. It is delicious with roti (Indian bread) or ghee rice( shown below, post coming soon) but sides most well with parboiled Kerala rice . 

I want to thank the very gracious editors of Yummly who handpicked my mango custard post to be featured on their Mango Madness page. So fun to be "certified yummly"!

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I read devotions/blessings posted by Susie Larson on a daily basis. She is a radio host, author and Christian speaker who heartens many with her beautiful messages and daily inspirations. I want to pass on a piece of the encouragement that has been a blessing to me, nourishing my soul and speaking truth to my heart.

"May you raise your arms and praise God for His faithfulness to you. May you open your hands and receive what He so lovingly wants to give. May you look past your circumstances and see Jesus who reigns over all. And may you move forward in faith knowing all things are possible through Him." ~Taken from Susie Larson's End Of Day Blessing.