Chicken Curry

Step 1: First Marinade

In a large bowl, combine 750g of chicken with salt, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1 1/2 tsp ginger garlic paste, 3 tbsp curd, 1/2 tsp pepper powder, 1 tbsp ready chicken masala powder, and 1 tbsp lime juice. Mix everything well to coat the chicken. Set aside to marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 2: Second Marinade

After the chicken has marinated for 1 hour, add 2 tbsp oil, 2 chopped big tomatoes, and 1 tbsp chili powder to the bowl. Give it a good mix and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Heat oil in a large pot or pan. Add 1 tbsp of chopped garlic and sauté for a few seconds. Then, add the whole spices: 2 small cinnamon sticks, 3-4 green cardamoms, 3-4 cloves, 1-2 star petals, and 7-8 peppercorns. Sauté for another few seconds.

Step 4: Fry Onions

Add 2 thinly sliced onions to the pot. Fry, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn a deep golden brown.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken mixture to the pot with the fried onions. Mix well and simmer on low to medium heat for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Simmer the Curry

Pour in 1 cup of water and mix well. Sprinkle some fresh curry leaves over the top. Cover the pot and cook on low to medium heat for 5-6 minutes.

Step 7: Final Cooking

After 5-6 minutes, uncover the pot, give it a mix, then cover it again. Continue to cook on low heat for another 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 8: Garnish and Finish

Once the chicken is cooked, sprinkle 1/2 tsp garam masala, 1 tbsp kasoori methi, and 3 tbsp of chopped coriander leaves. Mix well and turn off the heat. The chicken curry is ready to serve.

• Marinating the chicken for at least an hour makes it more tender and flavorful.

• Fry the onions until they are golden brown for a rich, deep flavor in the gravy.

• Using store-bought chicken masala can save time while still providing a complex spice blend.

• Add potatoes or other vegetables along with the chicken for a more wholesome meal.

• Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your spice preference.