Chicken Gravy – South Indian Style
Recipe Summary
- A rich and flavorful chicken gravy, perfect for a hearty meal. This recipe features tender chicken pieces cooked in a thick, aromatic sauce made with a blend of spices, pureed tomatoes, and a creamy cashew-milk base, finished with kasoori methi for an authentic taste.
All Ingredients - Main Ingredients
- Cashew nuts 8 nos
- Warm milk 2 Tbsp
- Tomatoes 2-3 nos
- Oil 1/4 cup
- Onion (thinly sliced) 2 nos
- Ginger garlic paste 2 Tsp
- Chicken (with bones) 1/2 Kg
- Salt 1 Tsp
- Turmeric powder 1 Tsp
- Chilli powder 2 Tsp
- Coriander powder 1 Tsp
- Cumin powder 3/4 Tsp
- Water 1 cup
- Garam masala 1/2 Tsp
- Curry leaves 1 sprig
- Kasoori methi 1 Tbsp
Tools You'll Need
- Pan
Don't have an ingredient? Try these swaps
No Milk?
- Unsweetened almond / soy / oat milk (1:1)
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk + 1/2 cup water (per 1 cup)
No Onion?
- 1 tbsp onion powder (per medium onion)
- 3 tbsp dried minced onion
- Shallots or leeks (1:1)
No Garlic (fresh)?
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (per clove)
- 1/2 tsp garlic granules (per clove)
No Garam masala?
- 1 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1/4 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp cardamom
No Curry leaves?
- 1 bay leaf + a pinch of lemon zest — Aroma only — flavor is unique.
⚠ Contains Allergens
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Cashew Paste
Soak 8 cashew nuts in 2 Tbsp warm milk for . Blend into a smooth paste and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare Tomato Puree
Blend 2-3 tomatoes into a smooth puree and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Onions
Heat 1/4 cup oil in a pan. Add 2 thinly sliced onions and fry for until softened.
Step 4: Add Ginger Garlic Paste
Add 2 Tsp ginger garlic paste to the pan and sauté for until the raw smell disappears and onions turn light golden.
Step 5: Cook Chicken (Initial)
Add 1/2 Kg chicken (with bones), 1 Tsp salt, and 1 Tsp turmeric powder. Sauté on high heat for until the chicken pieces turn color.
Step 6: Cover and Cook Chicken
Cover the pan and cook the chicken on medium heat for .
Step 7: Add Dry Spices
Give the chicken a stir. Add 2 Tsp chili powder, 1 Tsp coriander powder, and 3/4 Tsp cumin powder. Sauté on medium heat for , ensuring the spices coat the chicken well.
Step 8: Add Tomato Puree
Add the pureed tomatoes to the chicken and sauté for until the mixture thickens and the raw tomato smell is gone.
Step 9: Add Water and Cook
Add 1 cup of water and stir well to combine.
Step 10: Continue Cooking Chicken
Cover the pan and cook on medium heat for .
Step 11: Add Cashew Paste and Flavorings
Give it a stir. Add salt if required, 1/2 Tsp garam masala, the ground cashew nuts paste, and a handful of curry leaves. Combine all ingredients well.
Step 12: Final Simmer
Cover the pan and cook on medium-high heat for , or until the oil separates from the gravy.
Step 13: Finish with Kasoori Methi
Add 1 Tbsp kasoori methi (or fresh coriander leaves) and sauté on high heat for .
Step 14: Serve
The chicken gravy is now done and ready to be served.
Pro Tips
• Ensure onions are fried until translucent and lightly golden for best flavor.
• Sautéing the chicken on high heat initially helps to seal in the juices.
• Adjust chili powder to your preferred spice level.
Recipe Variations
• Fresh coriander leaves can be used instead of kasoori methi for garnish.
• For a spicier gravy, add green chilies along with onions.
Similar RecipesYou might also like
Other recipes in the same cuisine, meal type, or style — ready to cook whenever you are.
Spicy Mutton Curry Recipe
Cuisine
Indian · North Indian
Prep + Cook Time
1 hr 30 min
Difficulty Level
Medium
Chicken Yakhni Pulao - A Royal Dish
Cuisine
Indian · North Indian
Prep + Cook Time
2 hr
Difficulty Level
Medium
Butter Garlic Chicken | Garlic Butter Chicken
Cuisine
Indian · Indo-Chinese
Prep + Cook Time
55 Minutes
Difficulty Level
Medium
Kashmiri Lal Tofu Paneer
Cuisine
Indian · Kashmiri
Prep + Cook Time
45 Minutes
Difficulty Level
Medium
Kadhi (Not Curry)
Cuisine
Indian · North Indian
Prep + Cook Time
55 Minutes
Difficulty Level
Comments
Sign in to leave a comment on this recipe.
Loading comments...