Kerala-Style Pepper Chicken: Spiced Snack To Pair Whisky

By Krati Purwar

March 12, 2025

Are you looking for a snack that would complement the bitterness of whisky or sourness in a cocktail? You should try Kerala-style pepper chicken or kurumulaku. The heat from pepper, melange of spices, and juicy meat make it a must-try even if you don’t drink.

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Ingredients

2 sliced onions 750 grams chicken thighs 1 garlic pod 2 slit green chillies ½ tsp red chilli, coriander ½ tsp pepper, turmeric ½ tsp fennel, garam masala 2 tbsp peppercorn Salt to taste 1 tbsp lemon juice, ginger 7-8 curry leaves 3 tbsp coconut oil 1 tbsp coconut vinegar

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Step 1

Combine turmeric, pepper powder, salt to taste, and lemon juice. Marinate chicken in it.

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Step 2

While the chicken marinades, coarsely grind peppercorn and fennel seeds.

Image Credit: Freepik

Step 3

Heat coconut oil and saute onions until brown.

Image Credit: Freepik

Step 4

Add chopped ginger and garlic. After a minute, add all the powdered spices.

Image Credit: Freepik

Step 5

Add marinated chicken and coconut vinegar to the pan. Cook for 20 minutes.

Image Credit: Freepik

Step 6

Let the water evaporate and top it with peppercorn and fennel mix. Add curry leaves on top and serve.

Image Credit: Freepik