Easy and Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe - The Ultimate Indian Delight
Chicken Curry Recipe: Indian Delights Book
If you love Indian food, you will love this chicken curry recipe. It's easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for a cozy meal. Chicken curry is a dish that consists of chicken pieces cooked in a spiced sauce, usually with tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, and yogurt. It can be served with rice, naan bread, roti, or paratha.
chicken curry recipe indian delights book
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This recipe is inspired by the Indian Delights book, a collection of authentic Indian recipes from different regions and cuisines. The book was written by Zuleikha Mayat, a South African Indian woman who wanted to preserve her culinary heritage and share it with others. The book has been in print since 1961 and has sold over a million copies worldwide.
In this recipe, you will learn how to make a delicious chicken curry with simple ingredients and easy steps. You will also get some tips and variations to customize it to your taste and preferences. Let's get started!
What you need to make chicken curry
To make this chicken curry recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and marinate them with yogurt and spices.
Onion: Finely chop one large onion and cook it until golden brown in oil or ghee.
Ginger, garlic, and green chilies: These are the aromatics that add flavor and heat to the curry. You can use fresh or paste versions of them.
Tomato passata: This is pureed tomatoes that have been strained of seeds and skins. You can also use tomato puree or canned tomatoes.
Spices: You will need cumin seeds, cinnamon sticks, ground cumin, ground turmeric, garam masala, and salt. These are the basic spices that give the curry its characteristic taste and color.
Yogurt: This adds creaminess and tanginess to the sauce. Use whole-milk yogurt for best results.
Ground almonds: This is an optional ingredient that thickens the sauce and adds richness. You can also use cashew paste or coconut milk instead.
Cilantro: This is a fresh herb that adds freshness and color to the dish. Chop some leaves and use them as a garnish before serving.
How to make chicken curry
Here are the steps to make this chicken curry recipe:
Step 1: Marinate the chicken
In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of yogurt, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon of ground turmeric, and 1/4 teaspoon of garam masala. Add 800 grams of chicken pieces and toss well to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to overnight.
Step 2: Cook the onion mixture
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee. Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and 2 cinnamon sticks and fry for a minute, until fragrant. Add one finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes, until golden brown.
Meanwhile, in a mortar and pestle, crush 6 cloves of garlic, a 6-centimeter piece of ginger, and 2 green chilies with a pinch of salt to make a coarse paste. You can also use a blender or a food processor for this step.
Add the paste to the onion mixture and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Step 3: Add the tomato sauce and spices
Pour in 200 grams of tomato passata and stir well. Cook for a few minutes, until the sauce thickens and resembles a paste. Add 2 tablespoons of tomato puree, 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric, and another 1/2 teaspoon of salt (or to taste). Whisk well to combine.
Step 4: Simmer the chicken in the sauce
Add the marinated chicken pieces along with any remaining yogurt marinade to the sauce. Mix well to coat the chicken with the sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and cover the skillet with a lid. Simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Stir in 3 tablespoons of ground almonds and 1 teaspoon of garam masala. Cook for another 5 minutes, until the sauce is slightly thickened.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Sprinkle some chopped cilantro leaves over the chicken curry and serve hot with rice, naan bread, roti, or paratha. Enjoy!
Tips and variations
Here are some tips and variations to make this chicken curry recipe even better:
How to adjust the spiciness
If you like your chicken curry spicy, you can add more green chilies or some red chili powder to the sauce. You can also use hot paprika or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
If you prefer a milder chicken curry, you can reduce or omit the green chilies and use mild paprika instead of garam masala. You can also add some sugar or honey to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
How to make it vegan or vegetarian
If you want to make this chicken curry vegan or vegetarian, you can replace the chicken with tofu, paneer, chickpeas, potatoes, cauliflower, or any other plant-based protein or vegetable of your choice. You can also use vegan yogurt and oil instead of dairy yogurt and ghee.
How to store and reheat leftovers
You can store any leftover chicken curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat it, you can microwave it for a few minutes or warm it up in a saucepan over low heat, adding some water if needed to thin out the sauce.
You can also freeze chicken curry for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it as above.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between chicken curry and butter chicken?
Chicken curry is a generic term that refers to any dish that has chicken cooked in a spiced sauce. Butter chicken is a specific type of chicken curry that originated in Northern India. It has a rich and creamy sauce made with butter, cream, tomatoes, and mild spices.
Can I use coconut milk instead of yogurt?
Yes, you can use coconut milk instead of yogurt to make this chicken curry. Coconut milk will add a subtle sweetness and nuttiness to the dish. You can use full-fat or light coconut milk depending on your preference.
What can I serve with chicken curry?
You can serve chicken curry with rice, naan bread, roti, or paratha. You can also serve it with some salad, raita, pickle, or chutney on the side.
How can I make my chicken curry thicker?
If you want to make your chicken curry thicker, you can simmer it uncovered for longer until the sauce reduces to your desired consistency. You can also add some cornstarch or flour slurry (a mixture of water and cornstarch or flour) to thicken the sauce quickly.
```html the sauce more flavorful?
You can make the sauce more flavorful by adding more spices, herbs, or aromatics to it. You can also use chicken stock instead of water to add more depth and richness to the sauce.
Conclusion
Chicken curry is a delicious and easy dish that you can make at home with simple ingredients and steps. It's a great way to enjoy Indian cuisine and impress your family and friends. You can customize it to your taste and preference by adjusting the spiciness, using different proteins or vegetables, or adding different toppings or sides. Try this chicken curry recipe today and let us know how it turned out! 71b2f0854b