Authentic Natu Kodi Pulusu recipe

 

Natu Kodi Pulusu: Andhra Country Chicken Curry

A fiery, tangy free-range chicken curry slow-cooked with tamarind and rustic spices—straight from Andhra's farmlands.

🌿 The Soul of Andhra's Countryside

Born in the rural kitchens of Andhra, Natu Kodi Pulusu ("country chicken curry") celebrates free-range poultry reared in backyards. Unlike city-style chicken curries, this dish uses minimal oil, tamarind for tang, and whole spices for depth. Traditionally cooked in clay pots over woodfire, it’s a staple at village weddings and harvest festivals.

🍗 Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

Main Ingredients:

• ▢ 1 kg country chicken (free-range), cut into pieces
• ▢ 2 onions, thinly sliced
• ▢ 3 tomatoes, pureed
• ▢ 2 tbsp tamarind pulp
• ▢ 3 tbsp sesame oil (or any oil)

Spice Blend:

• ▢ 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• ▢ 10-12 curry leaves
• ▢ 2 tsp mustard seeds
• ▢ 1 tsp fenugreek seeds
• ▢ 2 tbsp red chili powder
• ▢ 1 tsp turmeric
• ▢ 1 tbsp coriander powder

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Clean chicken: Rinse thoroughly with water + 1 tsp turmeric. Drain.
2. Marinate: Rub with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp turmeric. Set aside for 15 mins.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

1. Temper spices: Heat oil. Add mustard seeds, fenugreek, and curry leaves. Sizzle for 30 secs.
2. Sauté onions: Add sliced onions and ginger-garlic paste. Fry until golden (~8 mins).
3. Add tomatoes: Pour in tomato puree, chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until oil separates (~10 mins).

Step 3: Slow-Cook the Curry

1. Add chicken: Sear pieces in the masala for 5 mins.
2. Simmer: Mix tamarind pulp + 2 cups water. Cover and cook on low heat for 45 mins (or pressure cook for 6 whistles).
3. Finish: Garnish with fresh coriander.

🍚 How to Serve

Classic

With steamed rice & mudda pappu (plain dal)

Rustic

With ragi sangati (finger millet rice)

Modern

In tacos or with crusty bread

💡 Pro Tips from Andhra Grandmas

• Chicken choice: Free-range chicken needs longer cooking but tastes richer.
• Tamarind hack: Soak pulp in warm water for 10 mins before straining.
• Clay pot magic: Cook in a clay pot for earthy flavors (add 20 mins extra).
• Leftovers: Tastes better next day! Reheat with a splash of water.

💪 Why Country Chicken Wins

• Lean protein: Lower fat than broiler chicken.
• Rich in iron: Combat anemia naturally.
• No hormones: Free-range birds are chemical-free.
• Tamarind benefits: Aids digestion and immunity.

🌍 Fascinating Facts

• Village pharmacies: Elders serve this to recovering patients for strength.
• Festive star: Mandatory at Andhra weddings (believed to boost fertility).
• Global cousin: Similar to Thai "gaeng pa" (jungle curry) but tangier.
• Bone broth bonus: Simmering bones releases collagen for joint health.

💬 Community Stories

"My grandma adds palm sugar (nattu sakkarai) for a sweet-spicy twist!" — Priya, Chennai

"I pressure-cook with drumsticks for extra flavor!" — Raju, New Jersey

Ready to Taste Rural Andhra?

Tag your #NatuKodiPulusu creations! 🐓🌶️