The original version of this was a delicious lamb fry that my Aji (grandmum) used to make to mark many a special occasion. The aromas of coriander, mint and ginger from the hot pan instantly took me back to those days – sitting on low wooden stools on the kitchen floor and waiting for the first batch to cool down enough to pop them in.
Aji served it as a side but this also makes a great appetiser. Crispy, flavourful and with a kick of peppery spice!
I prefer to pan fry the chicken but it also works well if baked in the oven.
This recipe has been a firm family favourite across generations – even our 3 year old loves it enough to ask for seconds and thirds!
Hirve chicken or Green Chutney chicken
Ingredients:
400 grams chicken
75-80 grams coriander leaves
12-15 mint leaves ( 2-3 sprigs)
1 green chilli
8-10 peppercorns
1 inch piece of ginger
2-3 large cloves of garlic
salt to taste
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup fine semolina or breadcrumbs
Oil for pan frying
Method:
1. Grind the coriander, mint, chilli, ginger-garlic, peppercorns with the salt to get a velvety paste.
2. Marinade the chicken in this paste and refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
3. Heat a tablespoon of oil in the pan. Dip the chicken pieces in the beaten egg. Then dip them in the semolina or breadcrumbs until well coated.
4. Shallow fry them for about 6-8 minutes, turning them when they start to brown.
5. Ensure that both sides are crispy and the meat is cooked before transferring the chicken onto a kitchen towel.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 until you have finished with the chicken.
7. Serve hot with a squeeze of lime (optional).
Notes:
To bake ahead or make a large batch, you could bake these in the oven. Preheat the oven at Gas 5 (375 F) for 10 minutes, with the baking pan in it. Grease the pan well and lay the pieces on it. Drizzle some more oil over the pieces before returning the pan to the oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes till the chicken is moist and tender with a crispy bread crumbed coating. (For the oven version, I would recommend bread crumbs instead of the semolina.)
I tried it both ways and found that the pan frying retains the flavours and heat while baking makes the dish much milder. Factor that in when you decide which option you prefer.
Sounds interesting – I don’t think I’ve had anything like this. Thank you for sharing the recipe!
Thanks, Laurel. It is slightly unusual. The origins of the recipe have been lost over time and I don’t know anyone else in the clan that makes it this way.
This looks so delicious… Thank you for the recipe… Would try it in the weekend 🙂
Thanks, Rajlakshmi. You could up the chilli quotient if you prefer it spicier. I toned it down for our 3 year old.
Looks tempting. Will share this with the husband. He is the resident non-veg chef at home! 🙂
Thanks, Shilpa. Hope you guys like it. Would love your thoughts on it.
def seems yumm… passing it to my hubbs who is the in-house chef 😀
Thanks, Meena. Both comments received. 🙂 Would love to know what you think of it. It seems too simple for Pheno’s talents.
errr did my earlier comment dissapear! I was saying I’ll pass this recipe to my hubbs.. it def sounds yummmmm!
I can smell the wonderful aromas! Yum! I like to try different chicken recipes! This one goes in my book!
Thanks, Aditi. I’d love to know what you think of it when you try it. 🙂
I want to taste this now!! 🙁
Random Thoughts Naba..Pixie Dust for a Happy You…
Come over, Naba. 🙂 It’s perfect for sharing over long chats.
Bookmarking this!
Thanks, Michelle! Hope you like it.
Oh yum! Could smell that coriander and mint from here…gotta try this one… sounds delicious
Eli, thanks! *grinning ear to ear*
Do give it a try and let me know what you think! 🙂
I have never had anything like this, but from the recipe and the picture you shared, I have no problem imagining myself devouring a whole platter!
Kathy, thanks for your kind words. Apologies for this much delayed response.
This sounds delicious. Was wondering what to make the supper tonight…think we have everything so might give it a go! 🙂
Thanks, Kate. Do let me know how it goes. Happy to help if you have questions. Would love to know if you loved it or hated it. 😉