Authentic Chettinad Squid Masala Recipe
10 minutes
743 reads

About Authentic Chettinad Squid Masala Recipe
Experience the fiery flavors of South India with this authentic Chettinad Squid Masala recipe. Tender squid is expertly simmered in a rich and aromatic sauce, featuring caramelized onions, juicy tomatoes, and a vibrant blend of ginger, garlic, and warming spices. This dish is a true testament to Chettinad cuisine's unique balance of heat and fragrant spices.Our recipe provides a step-by-step guide to recreating this coastal delicacy in your own kitchen. The squid's natural sweetness is perfectly complemented by the depth of the masala, resulting in a dish that's both satisfying and unforgettable.Serve your Chettinad Squid Masala with steamed rice, fluffy parathas, or Malabar Muttayappam for a complete culinary journey to the heart of Chettinad.
Recipe Time & More
Prep5 minutes
Cook5 minutes
Total10 minutes
Ingredients
Squid & Aromatics
- 500 gm Squid cleaned and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 Onion finely chopped, medium
- 2 Tomatoes finely chopped, medium
- 10 Curry Leaves fresh
Spices & Paste
- 2 tsp Garlic Paste
- 1 tsp Ginger Paste
- 1/2 tsp Pepper black, ground
- 1 tbsp Coriander Powder
- 1 tbsp Chili Powder adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
Other Ingredients
- 1.5 tsp Salt or to taste
- 2 tbsp Coconut Oil
Instructions
Prepare the Aromatics
- Heat coconut oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until light golden brown. Add the ginger paste and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Bloom the Spices
- Add the coriander powder, chili powder, turmeric powder, and black pepper to the pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until softened and the oil begins to separate.
Cook the Squid
- Add the cleaned and cut squid to the pan. Stir well to combine with the masala. Add salt to taste. Cover the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the squid to release its juices.
Finish the Dish
- Open the lid, stir in the garlic paste and curry leaves. Continue to cook until the sauce has thickened slightly and the squid is cooked through (about 2-3 more minutes). Do not overcook.
Serve
- Transfer the Chettinad Squid Masala to a serving dish. Garnish with extra curry leaves. Serve hot with steamed rice, paratha, or your favorite South Indian bread.
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Best Chettinad Squid Masala:
- For a deeper flavor, marinate the squid in a little bit of the masala paste for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder according to your spice preference. Start with less and add more as needed.
- Don't overcook the squid; it should be tender but not rubbery.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or coconut milk to adjust the consistency.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 76kcalCarbohydrates: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.9gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.8gSodium: 855mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2g
5 Comments
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.


This looks so appealing! Thanks for sharing.
Such a delicious dish! Thank you.
This is so tempting! Can’t wait to cook it.
This is delightful! Thanks for the recipe.
Tempting 🙂