Chettinad cuisine, known for its robust flavors and aromatic spices, offers some of the most exquisite non-vegetarian dishes in Tamil Nadu. If you love bold, spicy, and richly flavored meals, then Chettinad Samayal non-veg recipes are an absolute delight.
These recipes bring together a perfect blend of freshly ground masalas, fresh herbs, and tender meats cooked to perfection. Whether it’s chicken, mutton, or seafood, the Chettinad style cooking elevates the taste with its distinctive use of black pepper, star anise, and curry leaves.
In this blog post, we will explore some authentic Chettinad non-vegetarian recipes in Tamil, guiding you through the ingredients, equipment, and step-by-step instructions to create these mouth-watering dishes at home.
You will also find tips for perfecting the flavors, nutritional information, and serving suggestions that will impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chettinad non-veg recipes are loved for their fiery heat balanced with aromatic spices that create a complex flavor profile unique to Tamil Nadu’s culinary heritage. These dishes are not only delicious but also easy to prepare with readily available ingredients.
Why try these recipes?
- Authentic taste: Experience the true essence of Chettinad cuisine with traditional spice blends.
- Rich flavors: Bold spices like black pepper, star anise, and cinnamon elevate the meat’s natural taste.
- Versatility: Perfect for festive occasions or a simple family meal.
- Healthy ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices with minimal oil usage.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1 kg, cut into pieces (can substitute with mutton or fish)
- Onions: 2 large, finely sliced
- Tomatoes: 2 medium, chopped
- Ginger garlic paste: 2 tablespoons
- Red chili powder: 2 teaspoons
- Turmeric powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Coriander powder: 2 teaspoons
- Black peppercorns: 1 teaspoon
- Cinnamon stick: 1 inch
- Cloves: 4
- Star anise: 1 piece
- Fennel seeds: 1 teaspoon
- Curry leaves: 1 sprig
- Mustard seeds: 1/2 teaspoon
- Oil: 3 tablespoons (preferably sesame or vegetable oil)
- Salt: to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves: for garnish
- Water: as needed for gravy
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed pan or kadai
- Grinding stone or spice grinder
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spatula or spoon
- Serving plates
Instructions
- Prepare the spice mix: Dry roast black peppercorns, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, and fennel seeds in a pan on medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool, then grind to a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
- Heat oil: In a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai, heat 3 tablespoons of oil on medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle.
- Sauté aromatics: Add finely sliced onions and curry leaves. Sauté until onions turn golden brown.
- Add ginger garlic paste: Stir in 2 tablespoons of ginger garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears, about 2 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and spices: Mix in chopped tomatoes, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and the freshly ground roasted spice powder. Cook until tomatoes are mushy and oil starts to separate from the masala.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken pieces and salt. Stir well to coat the chicken with the masala. Cook on medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add water and simmer: Pour in enough water to cover the chicken (about 1 to 1.5 cups). Cover and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Adjust consistency: Remove the lid and cook on high heat for 5 minutes to thicken the gravy if needed.
- Garnish and serve: Turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with steamed rice or idiyappam.
Tips & Variations
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken with turmeric, chili powder, and salt for 30 minutes before cooking. This will tenderize the meat and enhance the taste.
Try adding a handful of freshly grated coconut while grinding the spices for a richer Chettinad flavor.
Substitute chicken with mutton or fish to enjoy different variations of this classic recipe. For mutton, increase the cooking time to 45-60 minutes for tenderness.
Use Pcos Chicken Recipes for healthier low-fat versions of chicken dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 280 kcal |
Protein | 32 g |
Fat | 15 g |
Carbohydrates | 8 g |
Fiber | 2 g |
Sodium | 600 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This Chettinad chicken curry pairs best with steamed white rice, idiyappam, or parotta. For a complete meal, serve alongside:
- Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe – a light vegetable side
- Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe – for a tangy, spicy accompaniment
- Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe – for a protein-rich side dish
Popular Chettinad Samayal Non-Veg Recipes in Tamil
Chettinad Chicken Curry (செட்டிநாடு சிக்கன் காரி)
This is the classic Chettinad chicken curry made with freshly ground spices and coconut. It’s spicy, flavorful, and perfect for rice.
Chettinad Mutton Kuzhambu (செட்டிநாடு மutton குழம்பு)
A slow-cooked mutton curry infused with star anise, cinnamon, and black pepper, delivering deep flavors and tender meat.
Chettinad Pepper Chicken (மிளகு சிக்கன்)
A dry chicken fry that is intensely peppery and aromatic, perfect as a side dish or appetizer.
Chettinad Fish Curry (செட்டிநாடு மீன் குழம்பு)
A tangy, spicy fish curry made with tamarind and traditional Chettinad masalas.
Chettinad Egg Curry (முட்டை குழம்பு)
Hard-boiled eggs cooked in a spicy and flavorful Chettinad gravy. Great with rice or dosa.
Ingredients for Chettinad Mutton Kuzhambu
- Mutton: 1 kg, cleaned and cut
- Onions: 3 large, sliced
- Tomatoes: 2 medium, chopped
- Ginger garlic paste: 2 tablespoons
- Red chili powder: 3 teaspoons
- Turmeric powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Coriander powder: 2 teaspoons
- Black peppercorns: 2 teaspoons
- Cinnamon stick: 2 inches
- Cloves: 5
- Star anise: 2 pieces
- Fennel seeds: 1 1/2 teaspoons
- Curry leaves: 2 sprigs
- Mustard seeds: 1/2 teaspoon
- Oil: 4 tablespoons
- Salt: to taste
- Water: as required
Instructions for Chettinad Mutton Kuzhambu
- Dry roast spices: Toast black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and fennel seeds until aromatic. Cool and grind to a powder.
- Heat oil and temper: In a pressure cooker, heat oil. Add mustard seeds until they pop, then add onions and curry leaves. Sauté until golden brown.
- Add ginger garlic paste: Stir in paste and cook until aromatic.
- Add tomatoes and spices: Add tomatoes, red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, and the ground spice powder. Cook until oil separates.
- Add mutton: Mix in mutton pieces with salt. Sauté for 10 minutes on medium heat.
- Add water and cook: Add enough water to cover the meat. Pressure cook for 20-25 minutes or until mutton is tender.
- Simmer and adjust: Open the lid, simmer for 5-10 minutes to adjust gravy consistency.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.
Conclusion
Chettinad samayal non-veg recipes in Tamil offer an incredible journey into South Indian flavors that are both bold and aromatic. From the fiery pepper chicken to the slow-cooked mutton kuzhambu, each dish carries the legacy of traditional Chettinad cooking passed down through generations.
These recipes are perfect for anyone wanting to explore authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques. By mastering these dishes, you not only bring delicious meals to your table but also keep alive the rich culinary heritage of the Chettinad region.
Don’t forget to try other exciting recipes like the Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a vegetable side or the Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe to add tangy spice to your meals. For hearty protein options, check out the Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Chettinad Samayal Non Veg Recipes in Tamil
Description: A flavorful and spicy Chettinad chicken recipe rich in traditional Tamil Nadu spices. Perfectly balanced with aromatic masalas and tender meat.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 2 dried red chilies
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Dry roast fennel seeds, black peppercorns, and dried red chilies, then grind to a powder.
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until raw smell disappears.
- Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
- Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and the ground spice powder. Mix well.
- Add chicken pieces and salt, cook on high heat for 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 30 g | Fat: 20 g | Carbs: 8 g
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