Andhra Gongura Chicken – Spicy Sorrel Leaves Chicken Curry

 Andhra Gongura Chicken – Spicy Sorrel Leaves Chicken Curry

Andhra Gongura Chicken is a flavorful South Indian chicken curry made with fresh gongura (sorrel) leaves, green chillies and aromatic spices.

The tangy flavor of gongura gives this chicken curry its distinctive taste. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice, roti or chapati.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

- 500 g chicken, cut into medium pieces

- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon red chilli powder

- Salt to taste

- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

For the Gongura Mixture

- 2 cups fresh gongura leaves

- 5–6 green chillies

- 1 medium onion, sliced

- 2 tablespoons oil

For the Curry

- 2 tablespoons oil

- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds

- 1 sprig curry leaves

- 1 medium onion, finely chopped

- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

- 1 teaspoon coriander powder

- ½ teaspoon cumin powder

- ½ teaspoon garam masala

- Salt to taste

- ½–1 cup water

Method

1. Marinate the Chicken

Add chicken, turmeric, chilli powder, ginger-garlic paste and salt to a bowl.

Mix well and set aside for 20–30 minutes.

2. Cook the Gongura

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan.

Add sliced onion and green chillies and sauté until the onion softens.

Add the gongura leaves and cook until they wilt completely.

Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then grind it into a coarse paste.

3. Cook the Chicken

Heat the remaining oil in a heavy pan.

Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.

Add cumin seeds and curry leaves.

Add chopped onion and sauté until golden.

Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute.

4. Add the Spices

Add coriander powder, cumin powder and a little salt.

Mix well and cook for about 30 seconds.

5. Add the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken pieces.

Cook over medium heat for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Add Gongura

Add the prepared gongura paste and mix thoroughly.

Pour in the water, cover and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked and tender.

7. Finish the Curry

Add garam masala and simmer for another 2–3 minutes.

Adjust the salt according to taste.

Turn off the heat and let the curry rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Andhra Gongura Chicken tastes delicious with:

- Steamed rice

- Ghee rice

- Chapati

- Roti

- Andhra-style dal and rice

Tips

- Use fresh, tender gongura leaves for a vibrant flavor.

- Gongura naturally gives the curry a tangy taste, so extra tamarind is usually unnecessary.

- Adjust the green chillies according to your preferred spice level.

- Cook the chicken on medium-low heat so it stays tender.

- Let the curry rest for a few minutes before serving for better flavor.

Final Thoughts

Andhra Gongura Chicken is a delicious combination of tender chicken and the distinctive tangy flavor of gongura leaves.

Serve it hot with steamed rice and a little ghee for a satisfying Andhra-style meal.