Alfred Prasad Pepper Chicken, India

Step 1: First, prepare the skinned chicken by cutting each breast into 3 pieces and each leg into 2 pieces (thigh and leg). Set aside until required.

CHICKEN

Step 2: Make a paste by mixing together the garlic paste and the finely grated ginger, 2 tsp garlic paste and 2 tsp ginger.

Step 3: Heat oil in a thick-bottomed saucepan over a medium heat. Add the cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods and cloves and sauté for 30 seconds. Add the sliced onions, stirring occasionally until nicely colored.

Step 4: Add the pieces of bone-on chicken, add the ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander and salt and cook for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Add 1/2 a cup of hot water, stir well, cover with a lid and simmer for a further 30 minutes.

Step 6: Now add the green chilies, curry leaves and chopped tomatoes. Turn up the heat and cook for 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through - prod the thighs and drumsticks with a fork to judge whether they are cooked through or not.

Step 7: Remove the pan from the heat, sprinkle with the crushed peppercorns and serve.