How to make Andhra Chicken Fry | Kodi Vepudu

Kodi Vepudu is a delicious and super spicy dry Andhra chicken fry. It’s very popular in Andhra restaurants and is often served with steamed rice.

Ingredients of Andhra chicken fry:

To Marinate:

• 1/2 kg Chicken with bones 
• 1/2 tsp Ginger Garlic paste
• 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice (or juice of half a lemon)
• 1 tsp Curry leaves (minced, 4 to 5 leaves)

To Dry Roast & Grind:

• 2 small Cinnamon sticks (1-inch size)
• 8 Cloves
• 3 Green Cardamom pods
• 2 petals Star Anise (use just half of one whole star anise)
• 1 tsp Black Peppercorns
• 1 tsp Cumin seeds

To Saute & Cook:

• 3 tbsp Oil
• 1 tsp Ghee
• 1 cup Onion (chopped)
• 3 Green Chilies (sliced)
• 1 tsp Ginger Garlic paste
• 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp Coriander powder
• 1 tsp Guntur Red Chili powder (preferred)
• 1 tsp Salt
• 5 Curry leaves
• 2 tbsp Coriander leaves (chopped)

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Marinating Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Instructions:

Marinate:

1. Take small pieces of chicken in a large bowl.
2. Add ginger garlic paste, turmeric powder, salt, lemon juice, and curry leaves.
3. Mix well and set aside to marinate for at least 30 minutes. Refrigerate if marinating for more than 30 minutes. Marination helps to soak up the flavor and keeps the chicken meat soft and moist while cooking.

To Dry Roast & Grind:

1. Dry roast all the whole spices in a small pan for 2 to 3 minutes until they release their aroma.
2. Let them cool a bit, then transfer to a mixer jar.
3. Grind to make a fine powder and set aside.

To Saute & Cook:

1. Heat oil and ghee in a pan, preferably an iron kadai or wok.
2. After adding chopped onion and green chilies, sauté the mixture. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes until the onions become translucent. If you prefer, you can use dry red chilies instead of green chilies.
3. Add ginger garlic paste and cook until it turns soft.
4. Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Fry until the raw smell goes away.
5. Add the marinated chicken along with the freshly ground spice powder. Mix to coat and saute for a few minutes.
6. Set the flame to medium, cover the pan with a tight lid, and cook for 15 minutes. This is a dry chicken fry, so do not add any water. The chicken will cook in its own juices, making it moist and flavorful. If using dark meat like leg and thigh portions, extend the cooking time by 10 minutes, adjusting depending on the size of the meat cuts.
7. Once the chicken is cooked, it will let out a bit of water. Continue cooking until all the water disappears. Stir frequently to stop the masala from sticking to the pan.
8. When the masala becomes dry, add a garnish of curry and coriander leaves.
9. Turn off the heat and serve hot with steamed rice and gravy!

Conclusion :

Andhra Chicken Fry, or Kodi Vepudu, is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Andhra cuisine to your table. With its spicy, aromatic taste and tender chicken pieces, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Try making this easy recipe at home for a delicious meal that will leave everyone wanting more!