Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is native to the Western Ghats of India, particularly in the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Therefore, as an established Indian monthly grocery brand, Aap Ka Bazar® understands the rich history of black pepper, the mystery behind its unique culinary taste, and its beneficial chemistry with health.
Aap Ka Bazar®, with over 40 years of experience, operates as a monthly grocery app, website, and offline multi-store grocery network in Delhi, offering thousands of national and international products, including premium black pepper seeds and black pepper powder, so let’s read ahead…
The region’s tropical climate and rich soil provide ideal conditions for pepper cultivation. Pepper has always been the most important spice in the world. It played a central role in the medicines of ancient India and China, became a critical component of Roman food, and remained central in the cuisine of medieval Europe. In Greece black pepper was known from the 4th century BCE, probably as a luxury item that only the very rich could afford. They were likely used in medicines and to flavour wine.
Historical and Cultural Significance
- Ancient Roots: Black pepper, known as “kali mirch” in Hindi, has been a part of Indian cuisine for thousands of years. It originated in the Western Ghats of India, where it has been cultivated and used since ancient times.
among those offerings, Aap Ka Bazar® has introduced its own in-house brand of Black Pepper seeds. These seeds are naturally sun-dried and hygienically packed with minimal human interference to preserve their natural quality, purity, and nutritional value. They are available in a green, sturdy pouch with a 41% discount.
- Cultural Importance: In Indian culture, black pepper has been valued not only for its culinary uses but also for its medicinal properties. It is an integral part of Ayurveda, where it is used to treat various ailments, such as digestive issues, colds, and respiratory problems.
For better health benefits, you may opt for Aap Ka Bazar’s Kali Mirch made from premium quality black pepper, ideal for both medicinal and Ayurvedic use. It’s available for just ₹129 for a 100g pack, with on-time home delivery across Delhi and NCR.
Culinary uses and Applications
Flavour Profile: Black pepper is prized for its sharp, pungent flavor and aroma, which enhances the taste of a wide range of dishes. It is often used to add heat and depth to recipes, making it a staple in Indian kitchens.
Spice Blends: Black pepper is a crucial ingredient in many Indian spice blends, including:
- Garam Masala: A blend of ground spices that adds warmth and complexity to curries, rice dishes, and soups, available at 28% off on the Aap Ka Bazar® application.
- Chaat Masala: A tangy and spicy seasoning used to flavour street foods, salads, and snacks.
- Sambar Powder: A South Indian spice mix used to make sambar, a flavorful lentil-based stew, available at the Aap Ka Bazar® application starting at ₹42 only.
Curries and Gravies: Black pepper is used in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian curries, enhancing flavours and adding a subtle heat. Popular dishes include:
- Pepper Chicken Curry: A spicy chicken curry where black pepper is a key ingredient, providing heat and aroma. You may choose Chicken curry masala for this delicious recipe, available on the Aap Ka Bazar® application at starting ₹80 only.
- Paneer Kali Mirch: A North Indian dish where paneer (Indian cottage cheese) is cooked in a creamy sauce flavored with black pepper. Select Paneer Masala for this recipe, featuring a finely ground blend of Indian spices and herbs, including black pepper seeds. Available on the Aap Ka Bazar® app for just ₹32, with one-day home delivery.
- Marinades and Rubs: Black pepper is used in marinades and rubs for meats and vegetables, enhancing flavours and helping tenderize the food. It is often combined with other spices and herbs to create complex flavour profiles.
On the Aap Ka Bazar® application, you’ll find Classic Marinara Pizza & Pasta Sauce, which boasts the spiciness and goodness of black pepper without any added flavors or preservatives. Available for just ₹183, with timely home delivery across Delhi and NCR.
Snacks and Sides: It adds a spicy touch to snacks like dried fritters (wadia), papadums (Punjabi Masala Papad), and roasted makhane (Salt & Pepper makhane). All these items are available on the Aap Ka Bazar® application with discounts of up to 50% and are hygienically packed in strong pouches.
Kurumulaku – Kerala Style Pepper Chicken
Pepper chicken, also known as kurumulaku chicken, is a deliciously fiery dry roast chicken dish from the Kerala region of India. This pepper chicken is an easy and quick Kerala-style dry roast chicken dish. You can also adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Both bone-in and boneless chicken can be used to make this dish.
- For spices, Kerala pepper chicken typically uses a blend of fresh ground black pepper, fennel seeds, and garam masala which you can easily get from the Aap Ka Bazar® application. Other ingredients that we need are apple cider vinegar or white vinegar for that acidic kick, Curry leaves and bay leaves will also add a distinct flavour to this dish.
Ingredients
❖ For the Marinade:
➢ 500g (about 1 lb) chicken, cut into pieces
➢ 2 tablespoons lemon juice
➢ 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
➢ Salt to taste
❖ For the Masala:
➢ 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
➢ 2 tablespoons coconut oil
➢ 2 medium onions, thinly sliced or onion powder
➢ 1 tablespoon ginger, minced or ginger powder
➢ 1 tablespoon garlic, minced or garlic powder
➢ 2-3 green chilies, slit or Green chilli paste
➢ 1 teaspoon saunf dana
➢ 1 teaspoon coriander powder
➢ 1 teaspoon cumin powder
➢ 1 teaspoon hot spices
➢ Curry leaves (a few sprigs) or curry patta powder
➢ 1 tomato, chopped or tomato paste
➢ Namak to taste
➢ Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
All these ingredients are available on the Aap Ka Bazar® application with discounts of up to 50% and an on-time home delivery service. So, order now to get everything delivered right to your doorstep while you go through the recipe instructions…
❖ Marinate the Chicken:
➢ In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with lemon juice, turmeric powder, and salt.
➢ Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
❖ Prepare the Masala:
➢ In a dry pan, roast the whole black peppercorns on low heat until fragrant. Allow them to cool slightly and then crush them coarsely using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.
❖ Cook the Chicken:
➢ Heat coconut oil in a large pan or kadai over medium heat.
➢ Add the fennel seeds and let them splutter.
➢ Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
➢ Stir in the minced ginger, garlic, and slit green chilies. Sauté for a few minutes until the raw smell disappears.
➢ Add the curry leaves and sauté for another minute.
➢ Add the chopped tomato and cook until it becomes soft and mushy.
❖ Add Spices and Chicken:
➢ Add the coriander powder, cumin powder, and half of the crushed black pepper to the onion-tomato mixture.
➢ Mix well and cook for a few minutes until the spices are well incorporated.
➢ Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan and mix them with the masala.
➢ Cover and cook the chicken on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
❖ Finish with Black Pepper and Garnish:
➢ Once the chicken is cooked, add the remaining crushed black pepper and garam masala. Mix well to coat the chicken.
➢ Taste and adjust salt if needed.
➢ Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
❖ Serve:
➢ Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or appam (a type of South Indian pancake).
With the help of this blog from Aap Ka Bazar®, now you know Black pepper’s rich history, culinary versatility, and health benefits make it an extraordinary spice with a legacy that endures through centuries and across cultures.
Whether used to add a simple kick to a dish or to craft complex spice blends, black pepper remains a beloved ingredient, symbolising the profound impact of spices on human history and Kerala style Black Pepper Chicken is a wonderful representation of the bold and aromatic spices characteristic of Kerala cuisine.
As Aap Ka Bazar® mentioned in the recipes, this dish is perfect for those who enjoy spicy and flavorful meals. Plus, if you’re looking for mega discounts on bulk orders, you can find all these ingredients and more among our 28,000+ products, including pulses, grains, rice, spices, ready-to-serve meal options, ready-to-eat snacks, ready-to-cook food, beverages, organic edibles, toiletries, cosmetics, baby care, pet essentials, and more.
Simply download the Aap Ka Bazar® app for your monthly grocery at your doorstep in the whole of Delhi and NCR.
Or visit your nearest Aap Ka Bazar® offline store(s) in Delhi for a healthy walk because #YahaSabMilega
