Karnataka Style Chicken Curry With Kabuli Chana/Chickpeas

Intro: An unique & extremely flavorful Chicken Curry cooked along with Kabuli Chana/Chickpeas makes it all the more nutritious.

Soak the Kabuli Chana/Chickpeas in boiling hot water for an hour. Keep covered.

Pressure cook the Kabuli Chana/Chickpeas with 2 teaspoons Salt for 15 minutes on high. Let the pressure release on it’s own. Set aside.

Dry roast the Poppy Seeds over medium-low heat.

Once the poppy seeds are roasted, add in the cloves, cinnamon and roast them well. Turn off the heat and set it aside.

Heat 2 Tablespoons Oil in a large Nonstick Skillet. Sauté the Onions until golden followed by the Ginger & Garlic Paste.

Add the grated coconut and sauté until it turns light brown. Add the chopped tomatoes. Cook until mushy. Turn off the heat.

Grind the roasted spices to a powder in a small Dry Grinder Jar. Combine it with the wet mixture, grind to a smooth paste along with some water. Set aside.

Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in the same Skillet. Tip in the bay leaves & the star anise. Roast the chicken for about 5 minutes over medium heat. Add the turmeric powder, salt, red chili powder, black pepper powder, green chilies and curry leaves.

After 5 minutes of roasting the chicken, add the ground masala (onion coconut & spices paste) and give it a stir. Check the seasoning and add boiled kabuli chana. Cook covered over low heat until the chicken is tender.

Add 1 tablespoon desi ghee and garnish with curry leaves.

Serve with hot Ghee Rice or Kerala Parota.

Enjoy!