Chicken Meatball Curry

A Culinary Twist: Chicken Kola Urundai Kuzhambu for a Healthier Delight

Embark on a culinary journey to Tamil Nadu with a dish that resonates with tradition – Kola Urundai Kuzhambu. While this beloved dish typically features lamb, I decided to venture into uncharted territory and present you with a version that swaps lamb for chicken. The result? A delectable, healthier alternative that's sure to tantalize your taste buds.

I'm thrilled to introduce you to this twist on a classic – the Chicken Meatball Curry. Brace yourself for an explosion of flavors and a health-conscious approach. Are you ready to dive into this delicious adventure? Give this recipe a shot and don't forget to share your culinary escapade in the comments section!

What Is Chicken Meatball Curry?

• If you're looking for a delicious and unique Indian dish to try, then chicken meatball curry is a must-try! This recipe combines succulent minced chicken with a blend of Indian spices and unique seasoning to create a flavorful and satisfying curry dish. With a combination of coconut milk, tamarind water, and a variety of spices, this dish is packed with bold flavors and is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you're a fan of Indian cuisine or just looking to try something new, chicken meatball curry is a dish that is not to be missed.

Why You'll Love Chicken Meatball Curry?

• Delicious Texture: The chicken meatballs in this curry recipe are tender, juicy, and flavorful, making every bite a delightful experience.
• Health Benefits: Chicken is a lean protein option that is packed with essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals. This recipe also includes aromatic spices and coconut milk, known for their potential health benefits.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is relatively easy to prepare and is a great way to add variety to your weekly meal plan.
• Family-Friendly: The combination of chicken meatballs and a flavorful curry sauce is sure to be a hit with the whole family, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish.
• Customizable: You can adjust the level of heat and spice in this curry to suit your personal tastes, making it a versatile dish for anyone who loves to play around with flavors.
• Great for Leftovers: This chicken meatball curry tastes even better the next day, so it's a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients for Chicken Meatball Curry

• Chicken Breast or minced chicken: The main ingredient in this recipe, chicken adds protein and flavor to the meatballs and the curry.
• Coconut: Provides a subtle sweetness and creaminess to the dish, balancing out the spices.
• Cinnamon stick, Fennel seeds, Cloves, Green chilies, Ginger, and Garlic: These spices and aromatics are key in adding depth and warmth to the meatballs and the curry.
• Red chili powder, Turmeric powder, Cumin powder, Coriander powder, Garam masala powder: These spices add the signature flavors and aromas to the curry, making it rich and flavorful.
• Tamarind water: Adds a tangy and slightly sour flavor to the curry, enhancing its complexity.
• Thick coconut milk: Adds creaminess and richness to the curry, creating a luscious and velvety texture.

How To Make Chicken Meatball Curry?

• If you want to make a delicious and flavorful chicken meatball curry, follow these steps to create a mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends. The key to a successful chicken meatball curry lies in properly preparing the ground chicken and making the chicken balls. These steps are essential for creating a rich and aromatic curry that is bursting with flavors.
• To start, you'll need to clean the chicken properly and then pat it dry before cutting it into small pieces. Next, you'll need to grind together fried gram, cloves, coconut, cinnamon stick, and fennel seeds in a mixer jar until coarsely ground. Then, grind green chilies, ginger, and garlic in the same mixer jar until coarsely ground as well. Finally, place the chicken pieces in the mixer jar and grind them using the pulse button, creating the ground chicken needed for the meatballs.
• Once the ground chicken is ready, you can proceed to make the chicken balls by combining the minced chicken with fried gram and coconut mixture, green chilly mixture, red chili powder, turmeric powder, chopped coriander leaves, and salt. Mix the ingredients well and then divide the mixture into equal parts to form into balls.
• The next crucial step is making the chicken meatball curry. Start by heating a pan with oil over medium heat and frying the ingredients given under 'to temper' until they splutter. Then add finely chopped onions and curry leaves and fry until they turn golden brown. Adding salt at this stage will help the onions cook faster.
• Continue by adding ginger and garlic paste, stirring until the raw smell leaves. Then add chopped tomatoes and sauté until they become soft and mushy. Next, add red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and cumin powder, and give it a quick stir before pouring in the tamarind water and water.
• Allow the mixture to boil and then reduce the heat to low before gently adding the meatballs to the simmering tamarind curry. Cook the meatballs for 10 minutes over medium heat, turning them occasionally until they rise and float to the top of the curry when cooked through. Finally, add garam masala powder and coconut milk, cooking until the gravy becomes thick and flavorful.

Following these steps will help you create a delicious and aromatic chicken meatball curry that is sure to become a family favorite.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Rice or Naan: This chicken meatball curry pairs perfectly with steamed rice or warm naan bread, soaking up all the delicious curry sauce.
• Side of Vegetable Curry: Add a side of vegetable curry to balance out the meal and incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
• Fresh Salad: Serve with a fresh salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions for a refreshing and crunchy contrast to the rich and spicy curry.
• Yogurt Raita: A cooling yogurt raita with a touch of cucumber and mint can help balance the heat of the curry, making for a well-rounded meal.
• Pickles or Chutneys: Spicy or tangy pickles and chutneys can add extra layers of flavor to the meal, enhancing the dining experience.
• Glass of Lassi: Finish off the meal with a refreshing glass of lassi, a traditional Indian yogurt-based drink, to cleanse the palate and provide a sweet end to the meal.

Tips for Making Chicken Meatball Curry

• Preparation Time: It's important to allocate enough time for preparing the chicken meatballs and the curry. Plan for about 30 minutes to prepare the meatballs and another 30 minutes for making the curry to ensure you have enough time to cook everything thoroughly.
• Cooking Techniques: When frying the meatballs, make sure the oil is hot enough to prevent them from sticking to the pan. Also, when simmering the meatballs in the curry, avoid overlapping them to ensure they cook evenly and thoroughly.
• Garnishing for Presentation: Garnishing with finely chopped coriander leaves not only adds a pop of color to the dish but also enhances the flavor and aroma of the curry. Don't skip this step for a beautiful presentation and delicious taste.
• Adjusting Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the spice levels in the curry by increasing or reducing the amount of red chili powder and green chilies to suit your taste preferences.
• Consistency of Gravy: Pay attention to the consistency of the gravy as you add coconut milk. Cook it until it becomes thick to ensure the flavors are well blended, and the curry has a rich and creamy texture.
• Serving Suggestions: Chicken meatball curry pairs perfectly with steamed rice or naan. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of cucumber raita or a fresh green salad.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can create a delicious and flavorful chicken meatball curry that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Variations for Chicken Meatball Curry

• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version of this recipe, you can replace the chicken meatballs with plant-based meatballs or even paneer cubes for a different texture and flavor.
• Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of green chilies and red chili powder in the meatballs and curry. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Add Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value of the dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers, peas, carrots, or potatoes to the curry. Simply sauté the vegetables before adding them to the curry.
• Creamy Texture: For a creamier texture, swap the coconut milk with heavy cream or yogurt. This will give the curry a rich and velvety consistency.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like fresh cilantro, mint, or basil to add a unique and refreshing flavor to the meatballs and curry.
• Nutty Twist: Incorporate a handful of chopped nuts such as cashews or almonds into the meatball mixture for added crunch and a nutty flavor. Alternatively, sprinkle some crushed peanuts on top before serving for an extra layer of texture.

How to Store Chicken Meatball Curry

• Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftover chicken meatball curry in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It can last for 3-4 days if properly stored.
• Freezer Storage: If you want to store it for a longer period, transfer the curry into freezer-safe containers and freeze it. It can last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
• Proper Ingredient Storage: Ensure that the key ingredients such as minced chicken, coconut milk, and tamarind water are stored properly in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. Properly sealed containers and packaging will help keep them fresh for longer.
• Avoid Overcrowding: When storing the meatballs in the curry, make sure they are not overcrowded in the container. This will help prevent them from getting soggy and losing their texture.
• Reheating Tips: When reheating, make sure to heat the curry thoroughly before serving to ensure it's safe to eat. Enjoy the tasty chicken meatball curry even after storing it!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use ground chicken instead of minced chicken for the meatballs?

• Yes, you can use ground chicken instead of minced chicken for the meatballs. Just ensure that it is finely ground for the best results.

Can I make the curry less spicy?

• If you prefer a milder curry, you can reduce the amount of green chilies and red chili powder according to your taste preference. You can also add a dollop of yogurt or coconut cream to balance out the spice.

Can I make the curry ahead of time?

• Yes, you can make the curry ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the curry and add the meatballs to simmer until heated through.

Can I freeze the meatballs?

• Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

How can I make the meatballs more flavorful?

• To enhance the flavor of the meatballs, you can add additional spices like garam masala, ground coriander, or finely chopped fresh herbs like mint or cilantro to the mixture.

Can I substitute coconut milk with another type of milk?

• If you don't have coconut milk, you can use heavy cream or whole milk as a substitute, although the flavor may be slightly different. Alternatively, you can blend unsweetened coconut flakes with water to create a homemade coconut milk substitute.

Chicken Meatball Curry 2018-05-27 05:53:22

Recipe Card

Chicken Meatball Curry

Serves 3
Prep Time: 00:15
Cook Time: 00:30
Total Time: 00:45

Ingredients

For Chicken Meatball:

• 300 grams Chicken Breast or minced chicken
• 2 tbsp Coconut
• 1/2 tbsp Fried gram
• 1 inch Cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp Fennel seeds
• 3 Cloves
• 3 Green chilies
• 1 inch Ginger
• 4 Garlic pods
• 1/2 tsp Red chili powder
• 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt or as needed
• 1 handful Chopped coriander leaves

For Curry:

• 1 medium sized, finely chopped Onion
• few Curry leaves
• 2 tsp Ginger and garlic paste
• 1 large sized, chopped Tomato
• 1/4 tsp Cumin powder
• 1 tbsp Coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp Garam masala powder
• 1 cup, extracted from small lemon sized tamarind Tamarind water
• 1/2 cup Thick coconut milk
  -Salt to taste
• Finely chopped coriander leaves for garnishing

To Temper:

• 2 tbsp Oil
• 1/2 tsp Fennel seeds
• 1 inch Cinnamon
• 2 Green cardamoms
• 3 Cloves
• 1 Bayleaf

Instructions

For Ground Chicken:

• Clean the chicken properly, then pat dry with the help of kitchen tissue and cut them into small pieces.
• Place 1/2 tbsp of fried grams, cloves, coconut, cinnamon stick and fennel seeds in a mixer jar and grind until coarsely, keep it aside.
• Then add green chilies, ginger and garlic in the same mixer jar and grind until coarsely, keep it aside.
• Finally, place the chicken pieces in the mixer jar and grind it by using pulse button for about 2 to 3 times.

How to make chicken balls:

• In a wide bowl add together the minced chicken. fried gram and coconut mixture, green chilly mixture, red chili powder, turmeric powder, chopped coriander leaves and salt, mix well until combined.
• Divide the mixture into equal parts and make balls.

How to make chicken meatball curry:

• Meanwhile, heat a pan with oil over medium heat.
• When the oil heats, fry all the ingredients given under 'to temper' and fry until spluttering.
• Then add finely chopped onions and curry leaves, and fry until they turn into golden brown.
• Add some salt as to help it cook faster.
• Also add ginger and garlic paste, stir fry till the raw smell leaves.
• Further, add chopped tomatoes and saute well until it starts to soft and mushy.
• Then add red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder and cumin powder, give a quick stir.
• Then pour the tamarind water and 1 cup of water and mix well.
• Add 1/2 tsp of salt or more if needed.
• Allow this mixture to boil and then reduce the heat to low.
• Now gently add the meatballs to the simmering tamarind curry, trying not to overlap any.
• Also, allow the meatballs to cook for 10 mins over medium heat, turning the meatballs occasionally.
• The meatballs will begin to rise and float up to the top of the curry when they are cooked through.
• At this stage add garam masala powder and mix well.
• Then add the coconut milk and mix it gently and cook until the gravy becomes thick.
• When the gravy becomes thick switch off the heat and finally garnish it with finely chopped coriander leaves.
• Now tasty chicken meatball curry is ready to serve.

By Santhi Therese
The Indian Claypot

Step-By-Step Instructions:

Place 1/2 tbsp of fried grams, cloves, coconut,
cinnamon stick and fennel seeds in a mixer jar
and grind until coarsely, keep it aside.

Then add green chilies, ginger and garlic
in the same mixer jar and grind until coarsely.

In a wide bowl add together the minced chicken,
fried gram and coconut mixture, green chilly mixture,
red chili powder, turmeric powder,
chopped coriander leaves and salt, mix well until combined.

Divide the mixture into equal parts and make balls.

Meanwhile, heat a pan with oil over medium heat.
When the oil heats, fry all the ingredients given
under ‘to temper’ and fry until spluttering.

.

Then add finely chopped onions and curry leaves, and fry
until they turn into golden brown.
Add some salt as to help it cook faster.

Also add ginger and garlic paste, stir fry till the raw smell leaves.

Further, add chopped tomatoes and
saute well until it starts to soft and mushy.

Then add red chili powder, coriander powder,
turmeric powder and cumin powder, give a quick stir.

Then pour the tamarind water and 1 cup of water and mix well.
Add 1/2 tsp of salt or more if needed.

.

Allow this mixture to boil and then reduce the heat to low.

.

Now gently add the meatballs to the simmering tamarind curry,
trying not to overlap any. Also, allow the meatballs to cook
for 10 mins over medium heat, turning the meatballs occasionally.
The meatballs will begin to rise and float up to the top of the curry
when they are cooked through.

At this stage add garam masala powder and mix well.

Then add the coconut milk and mix it
gently and cook until the gravy becomes thick.

When the gravy becomes thick switch off the heat
and finally, garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves.

Now tasty chicken meatball curry is ready to serve.