Curry Leaf Popcorn Chicken | Chicken | Umami

Ingredients

• Seeds from 4 green cardamom pods (about ¼ tsp. seeds)
• 2 tsp. coriander seeds
• 2 tsp. cumin seeds
• ¼ tsp. whole black peppercorns
• 2 cups buttermilk
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• 2–3 serrano chiles, coarsely chopped
• 6 scallions, roots removed, coarsely chopped
• 1 1" piece fresh ginger, peeled, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves
• 25 curry leaves, preferably fresh, divided
• 1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1½ tsp. cayenne pepper, divided
• 2 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breasts, patted dry, cut into 1" pieces
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp. baking soda
• Neutral oil (for frying; about 4–6 cups)
• 4 green Thai chiles, seeded if desired
• A spice mill or mortar and pestle