Xacuti Chicken

Ingredients

• 3 lbs skinless chicken, and cut into large pieces
• 4 tablespoons oil
• 1 cup desiccated coconut (unsweetened)
• 6 garlic cloves, chopped
• 5 dried red chilies, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin seed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons coriander seeds
• 10 black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon fennel seed
• 1 teaspoon onion seeds
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 6 cloves
• 2 inches cinnamon sticks, broken up
• 4 star anise
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• salt
• 1 tablespoon tamarind pulp (or lemon)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Directions

1. 1

   In a pan, heat a tbsp of the oil and lightly fry the coconut. When brown remove from the heat and put in into your blender.

2. 2

   To the blender, add ALL of the spices and the garlic,add a little water, blend to make a smoothish paste.

3. 3

   In the same pan heat the remaining oil and fry the onions till well browned.

4. 4

   Add the spice mix (masala) that you blended, to the onions and fry till fragrant.

5. 5

   Add the chicken and 2 cups of water, stir to blend all together. season with salt.

6. 6

   Cover the pot and simmer for approximately 30 mins till chicken is tender.

7. 7

   Stir in the nutmeg. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

8. 8

   Serve hot with a rice dish, and, a vegetable curry.