Chicken Xacuti

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan and lightly brown coconut and transfer into a mixer jar.

Add garlic cloves, red chilies, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, black peppercorns, fennel seeds, carom seeds, poppy seeds, cloves, cinnamon and star anise till fragrant.

Add it to the coconut in the jar.

Add turmeric powder and a little water and grind to a smooth paste.

Heat the oil in a deep pan and sauté onions till well browned.

Add chicken and sauté on high heat for 2-3 minutes.

Add salt and mix.

Put the spice paste and stir well.

Add two cups of water and let it cook.

Add tamarind pulp and grated nutmeg.

When the mixture comes to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer till the chicken is done.

Serve hot with boiled rice.