Heat one tablespoon of oil in a pan and lightly brown coconut.Transfer into a mixer jar. Add garlic cloves. Add 2-4 tbsp of water and grind to a smooth paste.
Dry roast red chillies, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, black peppercorns, fennel seeds, carom seeds, poppy seeds, cloves, cinnamon and star anise till fragrant. Add it to the mixer jar. Add turmeric and grind all the ingredients into smooth paste. Add water as needed.
Heat the remaining oil in a deep pan and sauté onions till well browned. Add chicken and sauté on high heat for two to three minutes.
Add salt and mix. Add the paste and stir well. Add two cups of water and stir. Add tamarind pulp and mix. Grate some nutmeg (about ¼ teaspoon) and add. When the mixture comes to a boil, reduce heat, cover and cook for about thirty minutes or till t
Serve hot with boiled rice. Goes well with white or wild rice.