CHETTINADU CHICKEN GRAVY

Powder finely 3 pieces chinnamon, 2 bay leaves, 2 coves and 2 cardamoms finely. In a tsp of oil fry 2 red chillies, 1sp fennel seeds, 2sp poppy seeds, 1tbsp puffed Bengal gram[pottukadalai] and a handful of shredded coconut to a golden brown color and then grind to a fine paste. Heat a kadai and pour 4 to 5 tbsp oil. When the oil becomes hot add 4 chopped onion and fry for a few minutes until it changes into a light brown colour. Then add 4 big tomatoes which are finely chopped with 10 red chillies, 1tbsp ginger paste, 1tbsp garlic paste, 1sp turmeric powder, and fry well until the tomatoes are changed into a fine paste and the oil floats on the surface. Add the pieces of 1 big chicken[1kg to 11/4kg] , 3sp coriander powder, 3sp chilli powder, the ground paste and enough salt with 1 cup of water. Cook on medium fire until the chicken is well cooked. Garnish with coriander leaves and curry leaves.