Chicken Pickle ( Kottayam Style ) RECIPE#153

Step  1:- Marinate 2 lb/ 1  kg of  chopped chicken thighs  with salt, 1  teaspoon of turmeric powder and  1/2 teaspoon of kashmiri chilli powder for 2- 3 hours.

Step  2:- Microwave the marinated chicken for 15 minutes on high power . and keep aside .

Step 3:- Heat a pan and and add 2 cups of vegetable oil , ' shallow fry' the microwaved chicken  and keep aside.

Step 4:-  Finely chop 1/4 of a onion , 2-3'' of ginger root  , 7-12  garlic cloves , 2-3 green chillies, and 2-3 sprigs  of curry leaves and keep aside.

Step 5:-   In the same  pan ( step 3)  and in the same oil , splutter 2 teaspoon of mustard seeds. ( Optional ) 

Step 6:-   Add the ''Step 4 ingredients ''. and saute until the onion gets light brown in color.

Step 7:- Now bring down the flame and add 1-1 1/2  teaspoon of  kashmiri chiili powder , 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, and  two pinches  of asafetida .

Step 8 :- Add 1/4-1/2 cup of vinegar  and mix well.

Step 9:- Add the fried chicken pieces  ( step 3) , combine well   and cook at low -medium flame for 15 minutes  until the oil separates from the ''masala ''  as in the picture.

Step 10 :- Chicken pickle is ready .......: -)  :-)  Enjoy as a side dish for steamed rice/fried rice /biriyani  ..... Store    in an airtight container , in refrigerator..... - JA- Mathew-