Curry Leaf Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Servings: 4
Prep time: 30 minutes
Total time: 5 hours

seeds from 4 green cardamom pods
2 teaspoons coriander seeds
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
12 black peppercorns
2 cups|480 ml buttermilk
2-3 serrano chiles, seeded, if desired
6 scallions (white and green parts)
30 curry leaves, preferably fresh
4 garlic cloves, peeled
1 ½ teaspoons cayenne pepper
1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
¼ cup|60 ml fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 pounds|910 grams boneless, skinless chicken breast
2 cups|280 grams all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
3 cups|720 ml neutral-tasting oil
4 green Thai chiles, seeded, if desired
your favorite hot sauce, for serving

1. Heat a small, dry skillet over medium-high. Add the cardamom, coriander, cumin seeds, and the peppercorns, and toast for 30 to 45 seconds, swirling the mixture occasionally until the seeds release their aroma and start to brown. Divide the toasted spice mixture in half. Transfer one half of this mixture to a spice grinder and pulse to a fine powder. (You can prepare the spices up to 1 week in advance and store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.)
2. In a blender, combine the remaining toasted spice mixture with the buttermilk, serrano chiles, scallions, 15 of the curry leaves, the garlic, 1 teaspoon of the cayenne, the ginger, lime juice, and 1 tablespoon of the salt. Pulse until completely smooth and transfer to a large resealable plastic bag. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Trim excess fat from the chicken, and cut the flesh into 1-inch [2 ½-cm] cubes. Add to the marinade. Seal the bag and shake to coat evenly. Refrigerate for 4 hours.
3. Meanwhile, prepare the dredging mixture. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the remaining half of the ground spice mixture with the flour, baking powder, baking soda, remaining ½ tsp cayenne, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt, shaking vigorously to blend. Finely chop 10 of the remaining curry leaves and add them to the dredging mixture. Seal the bag and shake again to mix well.
4. Once the chicken has marinated, use tongs to lift out half the chicken pieces, shaking off the excess batter, and transfer to the bag with the dredging mixture. Seal the bag and shake to coat evenly.
5. Transfer the chicken pieces to a wire rack. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
6. In a medium Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high to 350°F [180°C]. Fry the chicken in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon or a spider, transfer the chicken to paper towels to drain.
7. After the chicken is cooked, prepare the garnish: Cut the Thai chiles in half lengthwise. In the hot oil left in the pot, deep-fry the chiles and remaining 5 curry leaves until crispy, 30 to 40 seconds. Drain on paper towels.
8. Put the chicken on a serving plate, garnish with the chiles and fried curry leaves, and serve hot with the hot sauce.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This recipe is reprinted with permission of Chronicle Books from Season.

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