Thai Mango Sticky Rice with Coconut Milk

 

     'Thai Mango Sticky Rice' is a popular Thai Dessert, called as KHAO NIAO MA MUANG.  A simple combination of Steam cooked Glutinous Rice and Slices of Mangoes served with a drizzle of Sweetened Coconut Milk. Thai Mango Sticky Rice is an exotic & easy Thai Dessert which is truly traditional, tropical, tasty and all the more fulfilling.

      Though Mangoes are available throughout the year in Thailand, it peaks its season during the months of April, May and June when Malaysian markets are loaded with Local and Thai Mangoes. Sticky Rice is a particular variety of rice grown in South East and East Asia.  Though commonly called as Glutinous Rice(not because they contain any gluten, but for the reason they are sticky).  Sticky Rice tends to become Sticky and Translucent once cooked. The trick of getting perfectly cooked Sticky Rice is to soak them before cooking.

     Steam cooked Sticky Rice is then served along with Sweet Mangoes with a drizzle of Sweetened Coconut Milk.  Some recipes serve Thai Mango Sticky Rice with garnishes like Roasted Sesame Seeds or cooked Yellow Moong Dhal. The dessert is best eaten warm.  We can even find Food Vendors selling these sweetened sticky Rice along with Durians instead of Mangoes.  Recently, I even found a recipe with Jack Fruit. Yet to try these combinations.

     My love for Thai Food took over me gradually but when it comes to this dessert, it was Love at First Bite.  Though the Sticky Rice in Coconut Milk was a faint reminiscence of Paal Kanji (Coconut Milk Porridge), the exotic combination of the Rice with Mangoes made me fall in love with this Dessert the moment I tasted it. It is one of that must order dish while we eat at Thai Restaurants and the most frequented Thai Dessert at home.

For more Recipes from Thai Cuisine, Click here...


Cuisine - Thai
Course - Dessert
Difficulty - Medium
Serves -2-3
Author - SM

Preparation Time - 10 - 15 Minutes
Soaking Time - Overnight
Cooking Time - 30-45 Minutes

 

Authentic Thai Dessert - Khao Niao Mamuang/Thai Mango Sticky Rice 

WHITE GLUTINOUS RICE / STICKY RICE

White Glutinous Rice -  Sticky Rice

Ingredients for Thai Mango Sticky Rice: 

    This authentic Thai mango sticky rice recipe is one of the most popular Thai desserts made with glutinous rice, coconut milk and ripe mangoes 

TO COOK STICKY RICE/WHITE GLUTINOUS RICE:

Sticky Rice - 1 Cup
Water - 1 Cup
Salt - a Pinch

FOR THAI MANGO STICKY RICE:

Mango - 2 Nos.
Coconut Milk - 1–11/2 Cups
Sugar - 2-3 Tbspn
Salt - a Pinch
Pandan Leaf/Screw pine Leaf - 1 Leaf (optional)

For a detailed Recipe on How to make Coconut Milk from scratch, Click here...

 

Method - Step-by-step Guide on how to make Thai Mango Sticky Rice:

Authentic Thai Mango Sticky Rice with Fresh Mango Slices

HOW TO COOK STICKY RICE/GLUTINOUS RICE:

IN STEAMER - TRADITIONAL METHOD :

• Wash the Sticky Rice for two-three times or until the water runs clear.
• Soak the Sticky Rice in ample of water for about 2-3 Hours or Overnight.
• Once soaked, drain the sticky rice and discard the water.
• Pour 5-6 Cups of Water at the bottom of the Steamer.
• Carefully place the steamer plate and line it up with a clean Muslin/Cheesecloth.
• Spread the Sticky Rice over the Muslin/Cheesecloth and cover the steamer with the lid.
• Cook the Sticky Rice on high flame for about 5-8 minutes.
• Lower the flame to Medium and cook for the other 15-20 minutes.
• Once cooked the Sticky Rice would turn translucent.
• Switch off the flame and leave it aside for about 8-10 Minutes.
• Remove the lid of the Steamer and fluff up the rice with a chopstick/fork.
• Transfer the cooked Sticky Rice into a bowl.

MICROWAVE METHOD:

• Soak the Sticky Rice in Warm Water for 10-15 minutes.
• Drain the Sticky Rice and discard the water,
• Add the Sticky Rice and Water in a Microwave safe Bowl big enough to hold rice and water.
• For 1 Cup of Sticky Rice, I used 1 Cup of Water.(Rice Water Ratio = 1:1).
• Cover the bowl and cook on high power for 3 Minutes.
• Carefully remove the bowl and stir the ingredients well.
• Cook for another 3 Minutes.
• Once cooked the Sticky Rice would turn translucent.
• Remove the bowl and give a quick stir.
• If the Sticky Rice has not cooked, cook for another few minutes.
• The timing to cook the Sticky Rice depends on the type of Microwave.
• For every 2-3 minutes remove the bowl from the Microwave and mix it well.
• This way you can ensure that the Sticky rice is evenly cooked.

FOR THAI MANGO STICKY RICE:

Mangoes :

• Wash and Peel the Mangoes.
• Slice up the Mangoes, discard the seed and leave them aside.

Coconut Milk for Thai Mango Sticky Rice:

• Add Sugar and a pinch of Salt to the Coconut Milk and mix well.
• Tie up a Pandan Leaf(Screw pine Leaf) and add it into the coconut milk.
• Boil the Coconut Milk on a medium flame for about 5-7 minutes, stirring continuously.
• Lower the flame and boil for another 2-3 minutes.
• Switch off the flame.
• Discard the Pandan Leaf(Screw pine Leaf) from the Coconut Milk.

COMBINING THE INGREDIENTS FOR THAI MANGO STICKY RICE

• Take a Scoop of Sticky Rice and place it on a serving plate.
• Let the Sticky Rice be hot.
• Pour 3/4 the amount of Warm Coconut Milk over the hot Sticky Rice.
• Let it sit for about 5-7 Minutes
• Let the Sticky Rice absorbs the Coconut Milk.
• Line up the Mango Slices along with the Sticky Rice and Coconut Milk.
• Drizzle the rest of the Coconut Milk just before serving the Thai Mango Sticky Rice.

Protips & Notes for Perfect Thai Mango Sticky Rice:

• Soak the Sticky Rice before cooking.
• Let the Sticky Rice and Coconut Milk be hot when they are mixed together.
• This will enable the rice to absorb the Coconut Milk.
• Adding a pinch of Salt to the Coconut Milk will enhance the overall taste of the Dessert.
• Adding Pandan Leaf/Screw pine Leaf to the Coconut Milk is truly optional.
• This is mildly sweet dessert when combined with Mangoes gives a wonderful and unique taste.
• Can Substitute Sticky Rice/Glutinous Rice with Fragrant Rice/any other variety of long grained Raw rice variety.
• Cook the rice accordingly.  
• Can Substitute half the amount of water with Coconut Milk while cooking the Sticky Rice.
• This will give more flavour to the Sticky Rice.

Pair this Authentic Thai Dessert with a comforting Thai meal like Tom Yum Soup or Thai Pineapple Fried Rice for complete meal.

 

FAQs 

Q: Can I use regular rice instead of sticky rice?

Q: Why is my sticky rice not soft?

Q: Can I make mango sticky rice ahead of time?

Ambalapuzha Paal Payasam - Divine Offering

       

Ambalapuzha Paal Payasam Recipe: A Traditional Kerala Ari Payasam

   Discover the rich and creamy delight of Ambalapuzha Paal Payasam, a traditional Kerala Rice Payasam that’s as simple as it is sublime. This iconic dessert, made with Kerala Rose Matta rice (also known as Unakkalari or Chembavu Ari), offers an authentic taste that sets it apart from its contemporaries.

    While many variations of rice kheer use Basmati rice, the classic Paal Payasam recipe adheres to tradition by using Rose Matta rice. This not only enhances the flavour but also contributes to the dessert’s signature pink hue and creamy texture. 

    The secret to achieving this perfect blend of taste and texture lies in the slow-cooking method. Gently simmering the pudding on a low flame allows the rice to cook uniformly, absorbing the milky sweetness and transforming into a rich and velvety treat.

    Whether you’re a novice or an experienced cook, making Paal Payasam in your own kitchen is a rewarding experience. This dish isn’t just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a piece of Kerala’s culinary heritage, promising a taste of nostalgia with every spoonful.

Traditional Kerala Kanji Meal with Payar, Chammanthi & Achar

LASSI - SWEET PUNJABI LASSI

     Lassi - Sweet Punjabi Lassi is a pride of Punjabi Cuisine and a wonderful drink to beat the Summer heat. It is a Yoghurt/Curd based Smooth, Creamy and Sweet drink traditionally served in tall Punjabi Glasses or in Matkas(Earthern pots).  The results of a tall glass of cool, creamy and sweet Lassi is so instantaneous that it cools your body system immediately, refreshing and rejuvenating your senses. Lassi -creamy, sweet and slightly sour, sometimes salty, sometimes subtly spiced, this drink is utterly refreshing to the core.  Another advantage of drinking a Sweet Punjabi Lassi is that it happily falls under the category of a dessert masquerading as a drink.
      Though believed to have originated from Punjab, Lassi can be seen in Gujarat, Rajasthan and even in parts of Pakistan.  A popular drink throughout the Northern States of India, are whipped up into many variations to bring a special note of the same drink throughout India. Lassi comes into limelight along with the arrival of sweltering summer.  Roadside shops and eateries cater this creamy drink during summer.  A sip of the Sweet Punjabi Lassi, topped with a dollop of Malai(fresh cream), is an utter treat and utmost delicacy.
     It is an astounding fact that Yogurt/Curd is an integral part of Indian Tradition and an unavoidable part of Indian Cuisine. Yogurt/Curd - Dahi/Dai as commonly called in North Indian languages and as Thayir/Perugu/Mosaru in the South Indian States.  Once an agricultural bound Nation, cattle rearing were a part and parcel of their life. Availability and use of Milk and milk products were a part of their daily life. So it's not a wonder that we all like Milk, Dahi/Curd (Yogurt -in our very own form).  All the more, we have a special place for it in our Pantry. We also knew wonderful techniques to convert it into tasty Desserts like Shrikhand, Mishti Doi & Bhapa Doi, healthy Drinks like Chaas, Sambharam and Lassi.  We love to accompany Raithas/Salads with Rice and Roti or make curries out of Yoghurt/Curd.

For more JUICES, SMOOTHIES & DRINKS, Click here...


Cuisine - Punjabi (North Indian)
Recipe Type - Drink
Difficulty - Easy
Serves - 1 Tall Glass
Author - SM  

Preparation Time - 10 - 15 Minutes

HOW TO MAKE LASSI - SWEET PUNJABI LASSI

INGREDIENTS:

Thick Yogurt/Curd - 1 Cup
Milk - 1/2 Cup
Ice Cubes - 1/4 Cup
Sugar - 2-3 Tablespoons
Fresh Cream - 2 Tablespoons (Optional)

Salt - a Pinch

METHOD:

• Crush the Ice Cubes in a blender.
• Add Yoghurt/Curd, Milk and Sugar along with a pinch of Salt to the crushed Ice cubes and whip it up in a blender for a few minutes.
• Blend until all the ingredients are well incorporated and Sugar is well dissolved.
• Pour it out into a tall glass.
• Beat the fresh Cream and add it to the Sweet Punjabi Lassi.
• Serve Sweet Punjabi Lassi Chilled, topped with a dollop of fresh cream.

NOTES:

• The Yogurt/Curd should not the sour.
• Can substitute Water for Milk.
• Adjust the sweetness to suit your taste preference.
• Adding fresh cream is totally optional.
• Adding a pinch of Salt to Sweet Punjabi Lassi, helps to enhance the overall taste of the drink.
• Can add Cardamom Powder while making  Lassi, if you prefer a much flavoured drink. 
  

PRAWN TEMPURA RECIPE

      Prawn Tempura is one of the most popular Japanese starters enjoyed around the world. Prawn Tempura called as 'EBITEN' in Japanese is nothing but, where 'Ebi' means 'Prawns' and 'Ten' means 'Tempura'.   Japanese Cuisine has a strong tradition of eating fresh food left in its best possible natural form, the tradition of Tempura was bought into the country by the Portuguese and introduced by them in the commercial ports of Nagasaki.  But Japanese Chefs found a way to induce their own style of cooking using the freshest produce available and preserving their natural taste, which slowly found popularity converting Tempura a truly Japanese Food. But the irony is that this method of cooking totally vanished from Portuguese Cuisine on the long run.

     Though we can find a lot of Tempura recipes in Japanese Cuisine, with Vegetables like Potato, Sweet Potato, Mushroom, Lotus Root, Eggplant, Chilli Peppers, Carrots, Okra etc., and even I recently happened to nibble over a Yellow Pumpkin(Kabocha) Tempura and my favourite are Lotus Root Tempura.  You can pretty much use any vegetable to suit your whims and fancies.  These little Japanese fried treats are great as a starter or as a snack between meals.

     But when it comes to a Tempura Recipe,  Prawn Tempura Recipe takes the show. But the truth is, what makes a Tempura so tasty, special and different from other fried dishes is the distinctive Batter used for the recipe. The batter for Tempura is basically made from beaten Egg, All-Purpose Flour and Cold Water along with few seasonings or sauces.  An authentic Prawn Tempura Recipe uses no bread crumbs and it is less greasy compared to other frying methods.

     This Prawn Tempura Recipe is a slight variation from the original recipe.  I have not used any batter in this recipe instead I have just dredged the Prawns with Flour, dipped in beaten Egg and coated the Prawns lavishly with Japanese Bread Crumbs(Panko) and have deep fried the Prawn Tempura on a medium flame.  This way the Prawn Tempura turns out to be crispy, less greasy and retains its texture even after a long time.

Cuisine - Japanese
Course - Appetiser / Starter
Spice Level  - Low
Difficulty - Medium
Serves - 3- 4
Author - SM

Preparation Time - 20-30 Minutes
Marination Time - 10-15 Minutes
Cooking Time - 15 - 20 Minutes

HOW TO CLEAN AND CUT THE PRAWNS FOR PRAWN TEMPURA :

INGREDIENTS :

Prawns - 15-20 Nos.
Potato/Corn Starch - 1 Tbspn
Sake/Rice Wine Vinegar - 1-2 Tspns

METHOD :

• Pull off the head and the outer shell, leaving the shell at the lower & tail portion intact.
• Carefully, devein the Prawns and Cut the tip of the tail.
• Hold the cleaned Prawn and make few small incisions on the belly side.  Care should be taken not to cut the Prawns into pieces.
• Hold the Prawns with both your hands and carefully bend it backwards and make it straight.
• Bend the Prawns carefully, until it is totally straightened.
• Sprinkle some Potato/Corn Starch over the cleaned Shrimps and leave it aside for few minutes.
• Potato/Corn Starch absorbs the smell and dirt from the Prawns.
• Rinse the Starch coated Prawns under running water and discard the water.
• Add Sake/Rice Wine Vinegar along with a dash of salt to the Prawns and leave it aside for 10-15 minutes.
• Remove the Prawns from the liquid and drain them over clean Kitchen Towel.

HOW TO MAKE PRAWN TEMPURA 

INGREDIENTS :

Prawns - 15-20 Nos.
All-Purpose Flour - 1 Cup(Approx)
Egg - 2 Nos.
Japanese(Panko) Bread Crumbs - 2 Cups(Approx)

To Deep Fry :

Oil

To Garnish :

Daikon Radish (Optional)

Dipping Sauce for Prawn Tempura :

Sake/Rice Wine Vinegar - 5 Tbspn
Light Soy Sauce - 1 Tbspn
Sugar - 2 Tbspn
Ginger - a small piece(Finely grated)
Toasted Seasme Seeds - 1/2 Tspn(Optional)
Salt - To Taste(Optional)

METHOD:

• Pat Dry the cleaned Prawns until they are totally dry.
• Spread the All-Purpose Flour and Japanese Bread Crumbs on separate plates.
• Beat the Eggs with a dash of Salt and leave it aside.
• First, dredge the Prawns in Flour, next dip them into the beaten Egg.
• Lastly coat them lavishly with Japanese Bread Crumbs.
• Follow the suit for the rest of the Prawns and line them up on a large platter.
• Heat Oil in a deep pan and allow it to smoke off.
• Reduce the flame to medium-high and wait for few minutes.
• Deep fry the Bread Crumb coated Prawns on a medium flame until they turn into light golden colour.
• Remove the Fried Prawn Tempura from oil and drain them on a Paper Towel.
• Serve Prawn Tempura hot with any dipping sauce of your choice.
• Garnish with finely grated Daikon Radish(Optional).

For a detailed Recipe on HOW TO MAKE BREAD CRUMBS, Click here...

Dipping Sauce for Prawn Tempura :

• Finely grate or chop the Ginger.
• Dry roast the White Sesame Seeds on a low flame until they pop and turn aromatic.
• Mix all the ingredients mentioned under 'For Dipping Sauce' in a bowl.
• Taste the Dipping Sauce and add Salt if necessary.

NOTES:

• Make incisions on the belly side of the Prawns carefully.  
• Care should be taken not to cut them into pieces.
• Gently press the Prawns until they are well straightened.
• This way, the Prawns stay straight and do not curl up once deep fried.
• Make sure the Prawns are totally dry before dipping them into the flour.
• Dredge the Prawns in Flour... Egg Batter... Breadcrumbs.
• Fry the Prawns on a medium flame.
• Panko Bread Crumbs/Japanese Bread Crumbs can be substituted with any other breadcrumbs.
• Can try using coarsely ground Corn Flakes or Nestum instead of Bread Crumbs for a slight variation in the recipe.

SWEET PUMPKIN DUMPLING / KERALA STYLE MATHANGA PIDI

     My acquaintance with MATHANGA PIDI - SWEET PUMPKIN DUMPLINGS came along just a few days after my marriage. My mother bought few Yellow Pumpkins from our kitchen garden while visiting me at my in-law's place. It was just a few days after my wedding and there was a bunch of relatives at my in-law's place. My MIL'S three Sisters and her mother(Clemmie Thathi), all great cooks of their own cadre hit up an idea to cook Mathanga Pidi with those Pumpkins.  I least had an idea what the dish was then.

     Those were my initial days of cooking and I readily gave a helping hand to impress my MIL least to know that making small dumplings out of 3 Big Pumpkins was not an easy task.  Kneading, Shaping the balls(out of a sticky dough), grating large batches of Coconuts for Coconut Milk.  Grinding and squeezing grated coconuts in the process of making Coconut Milk. A whole lot of tasks was going around creating an euphoric atmosphere, a lot of talking, gossips, laughter etc., Most of the women at home were in midst of making Mathanga Pidi.  It took a whole afternoon through the evening before we finished making a huge batch of Mathanga Pidi ready to be supplied to relatives and neighbours.

     Though my first impression of cooking(helping)this tasty dessert took me off guard and concluded within myself as a difficult task, I loved the sweet little yellow dumplings, soft and succulent floating in a sweet coconut milk base.  I have always made this recipe since then, but never ever, such a large quantity.  Whenever I buy Yellow Pumpkins, this recipe pops into my mind and if my effort matches with my instincts I go with preparing Sweet Pumpkin Dumplings/Mathanga Pidi.

      A few years earlier, I was in the midst of preparing Mathanga Pidi.  I steam cooked Pumpkin Wedges and was about to scoop and puree the flesh, but couldn't find time to prepare Mathanga Pidi.  So no choice, I left the Pumpkin Puree in an airtight container thinking that I would prepare Mathanga Pidi later.  But I found time to prepare the dessert only the next day.  To my awe, the dough prepared with refrigerated Pumpkin Puree came out to be less sticky. Since then I steam cook the Pumpkins a day or two before I plan to prepare Mathanga Pidi.  This way the job gets much easier.

For more Recipes on PAYASAM, PRADHAMANS AND KHEERS, Click here...


Cuisine - Kerala (India)
Recipe Type - Pradhaman/ Payasam, Dessert
Difficulty - Easy
Serves - 4- 6
Author - SM

Preparation Time - 20-30 Minutes
Refrigerating Time - Overnight/Few hours(Optional)
Cooking Time - 20 -30 Minutes

INGREDIENTS :

For Pumpkin Dumpling - Mathanga Pidi :
Yellow Pumpkin Puree - 1/2 Cup(Approx)
Coconut Powder(remains from making Coconut Milk) - 2 Tbspn
Salt - a Pinch
Sugar - 1 Tspn
Water - 2-3 Tbspn(Approx)

For Coconut Milk Base :

Thick Coconut Milk - 1 Cup
Thin Coconut Milk - 1-11/2 Cups
Jaggery - 1/2 Cup
Cardamoms - 3-4 Pods
Salt - a Pinch
Wheat Flour - 1 Tspn
Water - 2-3 Tbspn

HOW TO MAKE SWEET PUMPKIN DUMPLING / KERALA STYLE MATHANGA PIDI

METHOD :

For Pumpkin Dumplings - Mathanga Pidi :

• Cut Pumpkin into wedges along the groves. wash and remove the seeds.
• Steam cook the Pumpkin Wedges for about 20-30 Minutes or until it turns tender and soft.
• Switch off the flame and allow it to cool.
• Scrape the cooked Pumpkin flesh with a spoon and mash it into a fine puree without any lumps.
• Mix Pumpkin Puree, Coconut Powder, Salt and Sugar in a wide bowl.
• Add Wheat Flour little at a time to the above mix and knead it into a dough.
• Add wheat flour until the dough is no longer sticky.
• Use water while kneading, only if necessary.
• Knead the mixture into a soft pliable dough.
• Pinch small portions from the dough and shape it into small balls.
• Make sure there are no cracks in the ball.

For Coconut Milk Base :

• Powder the Cardamom Seeds into a fine powder and keep it aside.
• Melt Jaggery with 1/2 Cup of Water and strain for any impurities.
• Pour thin Coconut Milk into and cook on a low flame for few minutes.
• Add Powdered Cardamoms and mix well.
• Mix Wheat Flour with 2-3 Tbspns of cold Water without any lumps.
• Pour this flour mixture into the Coconut-Jaggery mix and cook on a low flame for about 5-7 minutes.
• Pour Thick Coconut Milk and leave it on a low flame, stirring continuously for about 2-3 minutes.
• Carefully drop the small Pumpkin Dumplings/Mathanga Pidi into the Coconut Milk base.
• Cook on a very low flame for about 12-15 minutes.
• Wait until the Pumpkin Dumplings/Mathanga Pidi floats.
• Once the Pumpkin Dumplings/Mathanga Pidi would float to the surface.
• Serve Sweet Pumpkin Dumplings/Mathanga Pidi hot or cold.

For a detailed recipe on HOW TO MAKE COCONUT MILK, Click here...

NOTES :

• Refrigerating the Pumpkin Puree for a day or two(at least for few hours may be) is one trick to get a non-sticky dough, which I learnt out of an experience.
• While kneading the Pumpkin Puree and other ingredients into a dough, add very little flour at a time, and knead the dough adding Wheat flour until the dough is no longer sticky.
• Add water only if necessary, while kneading the dough.
• I have always used Wheat Flour(not All-Purpose Flour) for making Mathanga Pidi.
• My MIL says, all-purpose flour makes the dough stickier and the sweet pumpkin dumplings chewier & harder once cooked.
• There are similar recipes prepared with Rice Flour too, yet to try.
• Adding Coconut Powder gives a texture to the Pumpkin Dumplings/Mathanga Pidi.
• Using ground coconut remains from making Coconut Milk gives a dry powder.
• Alternatively can use powdered Desiccated Coconut.

For more recipes FROM GODS OWN COUNTRY, Click here...

 

PALLIPALAYAM CHICKEN

      Tamil Nadu Cuisine has notable regional delicacies from every region.  Though Chettinaad Cuisine comes to our mind, Kongunadu Cuisine stands apart for its tight-knit culinary traditions and cornucopia of fine ingredients & authentic tastes.  Kongu Nadu is a region comprising of Coimbatore, Tirupur, Erode, Pollachi, Udumalpet, Kangeyam, Avinasi, Palladam, Palani, Mettur, Karur, Salem, Athur, Namakkal, Dharapuram, hope I didn't miss any.
    Kongu Cuisine is unique for its use of fine ingredients.  We can see that most of the recipes use locally grown products like Coconut, Groundnut, Sesame Seeds, Ginger and Turmeric. Authentic recipes always are a simple reflection of tradition and culture. It clearly states the way of life and how locally grown produces were incorporated in their Cuisines in the best possible way.
     Pallipalayam Chicken is an authentic recipe from Kongu Cuisine, a spicy Chicken Fry Recipe from Pallipalayam near Erode(Tamilnadu, South India). Chicken Pieces are cooked along with Coconut bytes in spices on a low flame until each piece is well coated with the dry masala and it turns fragrant.  Coconut Slices surely give a nice flavour to the dish. Add ample of Pepper Powder for a spicy Pallipalayam Chicken.
     I remember the first time I had this Pallipalayam Chicken, was about 14 years back, in a highway shack, a roadside Dhaba near Erode.  It has been a habit since our dating days that if we are outing together, he would always(mostly) take me for a long drive to his work site.  My workaholic husband!!!  To date the habit continues, during his busy days, I have always felt these moments as some quality time with him. It was during one of such visits, way back home we dropped in by a Dhaba for dinner. My husband ordered some Rotis and Green Moong Curry along with Butter Chicken and this Pallipalayam Chicken. Spicy and Dry side dish prepared with Chicken and Coconut pieces, even the flavours were not overwhelming, but the dish was amazing.
     I figured out that the recipe to be simple with minimal ingredients, trusting the taste instincts I tried the recipe all on my own the very next day.  I used Big Onions then and had also added some whole spices like cloves and cinnamon to the recipe realizing later that there were no flavours of those spices in the recipe.  Most of the authentic recipes from Kongu Cuisine uses Shallots in it.  So I altered my recipe with Shallots and tried adding more Pepper powder.  With few tries, I was able to perfect my recipe.



For more Recipes from  KONGU CUISINE, Click here...


Cuisine - Kongu Cuisine (Tamil Nadu, South India)
Course - Side Dish
Spice Level - Medium-High
Difficulty - Easy
Serves - 3-4
Author - SM

Preparation Time - 15-20 Minutes
Cooking Time - 30 -45 Minutes


For more Recipes with CHICKEN, Click here... 

HOW TO MAKE PALLIPALAYAM CHICKEN

 

INGREDIENTS :

For Pallipalayam Chicken :

Chicken  -  1/2 Kg
Coconut Pieces  - 1/2 Cup
Salt  -  To Taste

To Splutter and Sauté :

Mustard Seeds -  1 Tsp
Fennel Seeds  -  1 Tsp
Curry Leaves  -  1 Sprig
Dry Chillies  -  10 Nos.
Oil  - 2-3 Tbspn

Pound Coarsely :

Shallots  -  20 Nos.
Garlic  -  10 Cloves
Ginger  -  1" Piece

Spice Powders :

Turmeric  -  1 Tspn
Red Chilli Powder  -  2 Tspn
Coriander Powder  -  3 Tspns
Pepper Powder  -  3 Tspns

To Garnish :

Coriander Leaves  - Few
Curry Leaves  -  1 Sprig

METHOD :

• Clean, wash and cut the Chicken into small pieces.
• Cut coconut into thin pieces.
• Pound the Shallots, Ginger and Garlic, coarsely.
• Heat oil, splutter Mustard Seeds, Fennel Seeds and Curry Leaves.
• Add Dry Chillies and Coconut Pieces into it and fry for a while.
• Add the pound Shallots, Garlic and Ginger into it and sauté well.
• Add Chicken pieces to it and sear until the colour changes.
• Add  Turmeric Powder, Red Chilli Powder and Coriander Powder and mix well.
• Fry this for a while on a very low flame until the raw flavour goes.
• Sprinkle some water just enough for the Chicken to cook.
• Cook this on a very low flame until the Chicken pieces turn soft & cooked.
• Sprinkle some Pepper Powder and leave it on a low flame until the chicken is totally dry and coated well with the spice powders.
• Garnish with Curry Leaves and Coriander Leaves.
• Serve Pallipalayam Chicken hot, along with Rice, Biriyani or any other dish of your choice.
• Pallipalayam Chicken goes well with Chapatis & Roti/Parotta too.

NOTES :

• Shallots give an authentic taste to the dish.  Can also use big onions.
• Pound the Shallots, Garlic and Ginger coarsely with a mortar and pestle.
• Do not grind them into a paste, which will totally alter the taste of the dish.
• Using coconut pieces are optional.
• Adjust the spices to suit your spice level.
• Pallipalyam Chicken is a dry dish, adjust the consistency to suit your palate.