Ingredients and preparation
To create a delicious chicken curry, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken: 1 kg, cut into pieces
- Onions: 2 large, finely chopped
- Tomatoes: 3 medium, pureed
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated
- Green chilies: 2, slit
- Yogurt: 1 cup, whisked
- Cooking oil: 3 tablespoons
- Salt: to taste
- Water: 1 cup
- Fresh coriander leaves: for garnish
For the spice mix, you’ll need:
- Cumin seeds: 1 teaspoon
- Coriander powder: 2 teaspoons
- Turmeric powder: 1 teaspoon
- Red chili powder: 1 teaspoon
- Garam masala: 1 teaspoon
- Bay leaves: 2
- Cinnamon stick: 1-inch piece
- Cloves: 4
- Cardamom pods: 3
Preparation steps:
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, half of the minced garlic, half of the grated ginger, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the spice mix: In a small bowl, combine the coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Set aside.
- Chop and puree: Finely chop the onions and puree the tomatoes. Keep them ready for cooking.
Cooking instructions
To begin, heat the cooking oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods. Sauté these whole spices until they become fragrant, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
Next, add the finely chopped onions to the pan. Cook the onions, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown. This process can take around 10-15 minutes, but it’s crucial for developing the base flavor of the curry.
Once the onions are well browned, add the remaining minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the raw smell of the garlic and ginger dissipates.
Now, add the pureed tomatoes to the pan. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the oil starts to separate from the masala. This step is essential for reducing the tomatoes and intensifying their flavor, and it should take about 10 minutes.
After the tomatoes are well cooked, add the prepared spice mix (coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala) to the pan. Stir well to combine the spices with the tomato-onion mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors.
It’s time to add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan. Stir the chicken well to coat it with the masala. Cook the chicken on medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to brown slightly.
Once the chicken is browned, add the slit green chilies and a cup of water to the pan. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the curry simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Check the seasoning and add salt to taste. If the curry is too thick, you can add a little more water to reach your desired consistency. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Garnish the chicken curry with freshly chopped coriander leaves before serving. This adds a fresh, vibrant touch to the dish.
Serving suggestions
When it comes to serving chicken curry, presentation and accompaniments can elevate the dining experience. Here are some suggestions to make your meal memorable:
- Rice: Serve the chicken curry with steamed basmati rice. The fragrant, long-grain rice complements the rich and spicy curry perfectly. For an extra touch, you can add a few saffron strands to the rice while cooking.
- Indian Breads: Pair the curry with traditional Indian breads like naan, roti, or paratha. These breads are perfect for scooping up the flavorful sauce and tender chicken pieces.
- Raita: A cooling cucumber or mint raita can balance the heat of the curry. Simply mix yogurt with grated cucumber, chopped mint leaves, and a pinch of salt for a refreshing side dish.
- Salad: A simple salad of sliced onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed with lemon juice and a sprinkle of chaat masala can add a crunchy and tangy contrast to the rich curry.
- Pickles and Chutneys: Indian pickles (achar) and chutneys can add an extra layer of flavor. Mango pickle or mint chutney are popular choices that pair well with chicken curry.
- Beverages: Serve the meal with a glass of chilled lassi (a yogurt-based drink) or a refreshing mint lemonade to help cool down the palate.
- Garnish: Don’t forget to garnish the curry with freshly chopped coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. This adds a burst of freshness and a hint of acidity that enhances the overall flavor.
By thoughtfully pairing your chicken curry with these accompaniments, you can create a well-rounded and satisfying meal that delights the senses.