On Tuesday, the Congress in Karnataka attempted to showcase a united front with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visiting the house of his deputy D.K. Shivakumar, a few days after the deputy chief minister made a similar visit to the house of the CM.
While much has been written about the political significance of the two visits and meetings over breakfast, there has been enough curiosity about what was on the table—literally.
Shivakumar is reported to have served the chief minister one of his favourite dishes—'Nati koli saaru' (country chicken curry)—along with steaming hot idlis.
"At his (Shivakumar's) house, it was non-veg, while at my house it was veg. He is a vegetarian, I am a non-vegetarian. I had not prepared non-veg. I told DK to get chicken from the village as you won't get the original in Bengaluru," the CM said later, when asked about the difference between the two breakfasts.
What is Nati koli?
Nati koli (also written as naati koli) refers to the native breed of chicken, commonly known as country chicken, without growth hormones or artificial boosters, which many claim are used for rearing the broiler variety of chicken.
Nati koli is known for its unique taste, firm texture, rich flavour, and supposed high nutritional value.
How to prepare Nati koli saaru
Key ingredients:
Country chicken (1 to 1.25 kg)
Onions (chopped or sliced)
Tomato puree or tomatoes
Ginger garlic paste
Turmeric, chili, and coriander powder
Garam masala or other regional spice blends
Black sesame seed milk
Khus khus, roasted gram, mint, coriander leaves, fresh grated coconut (for paste)
Ghee and oil (sunflower oil)
Water and salt to taste
Procedure:
Prepare the coconut-based paste by grinding khus khus, roasted gram, fresh coconut, mint, and coriander leaves.
Sauté onions until light brown, then add ginger garlic paste and cook further.
Add spices (turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder) and salt.
Add chicken pieces and fry briefly.
Add tomato puree and water, then boil and simmer the chicken until tender (around 30 minutes).
Add the prepared coconut paste and black sesame seed milk; cook for a few minutes.
Finish by adding ghee for aroma and richness before serving.