Koli Saaru

Koli Saaru is a flavorful and comforting Karnataka-style chicken curry prepared with aromatic spices and freshly ground coconut masala. This version is kept slightly watery, making it perfect for serving with soft idlis and crispy dosas. The thin, rich gravy soaks beautifully into the idli and coats the dosa, delivering a delicious burst of spicy flavor in every bite.

⏱ Preparation Time: 10 minutes
⏱ Overall Time: 40–45 minutes

Ingredients

For Masala

• ½ kg chicken (cleaned)

• 1 cup grated coconut

• ½ inch cinnamon

• 4 cloves

• 1 tsp fennel seeds

• ½ tsp poppy seeds

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 2 tsp coriander powder

• 5 tbsp roasted bengal gram

• 2 bay leaves

• 3–4 flakes kalpasi

• 7–8 garlic cloves

• 1 inch ginger

For Seasoning & Cooking

• 5 tbsp refined oil

• ½ tsp mustard seeds

• ½ tsp urad dal

• ½ tsp bengal gram dal

• Curry leaves

• 10 onion shallots 

• 2 tbsp garam masala

• 2 tbsp red chilli powder

• A pinch turmeric powder

• Salt (as required)

• Water (as needed)

• Method

1️⃣ Prepare the Masala

Grind grated coconut, cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, poppy seeds, pepper, coriander powder, roasted bengal gram, bay leaves, kalpasi, garlic, and ginger into a smooth paste using little water. Keep aside.

2️⃣ Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a cooker and add refined oil.

2. Once hot, add mustard seeds, urad dal, and bengal gram dal. Let them splutter.

3. Add curry leaves and onion shallots . Sauté well.

4. Add turmeric powder and sauté.

5. Add garam masala. Mix well.

6. Add cleaned chicken and salt.

7. Sauté for 5 minutes until chicken releases moisture.

8. Add required water and close the lid.

9. Pressure cook for 2 whistles.

10. Allow it to cool and open the lid.

Final Cooking

1. Add the prepared masala paste and chilli powder to the cooked chicken.

2. Boil for 10 minutes on high flame.

3. Reduce flame and cook for another 10 minutes.

4. Adjust salt and chilli powder according to taste.

Switch off the flame.

5. Koli Saaru should be watery for Idli and dosa.

Serving Suggestion

Serve hot Koli Saaru with idli or dosa.