Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare Onions, Tomatoes, and Green Chillies

   Roughly chop 2 big onions and 3 medium tomatoes. Also, prepare 5 green chilies.

2. 2.Sauté Onions, Tomatoes, and Green Chillies

   Heat 1/2 cup of oil in a pan. Add the roughly chopped onions and cook for 1-2 minutes until they soften. Then add the roughly chopped tomatoes and 5 green chilies. Cook until they become soft.

3. 3.Blend Sautéed Vegetables

   Remove the softened onions, tomatoes, and green chilies from the oil and place them on a separate plate. Let them cool down, then blend them into a smooth paste.

4. 4.Temper Whole Spices

   In the same oil, add 1 tsp whole cumin seeds, 10-12 whole black peppercorns, 4 green cardamoms, 1 star anise, 1 small piece of cinnamon stick, 6 cloves, 1 brown cardamom, and 1 small piece of mace. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. 5.Cook Chicken

   Add 1.5 kg of washed chicken pieces to the pan. Cook until the chicken's color changes to white.

6. 6.Add Ginger-Garlic Paste

   Add 1 tbsp ginger & garlic paste to the chicken. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring well.

7. 7.Add Ground Spices

   Add 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tbsp coriander powder, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tbsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper powder. Mix well and cook the chicken with the spices.

8. 8.Incorporate Blended Paste and Cook

   Add the blended tomato, onion, and green chili paste to the chicken. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a little bit of water (about half a glass) to the blender to rinse out any remaining paste and add it to the chicken.

9. 9.Add Yogurt and Simmer

   Reduce the heat to low. Add 5 tbsp yogurt and mix it thoroughly into the chicken. Increase the heat to high, then cover the pan with a lid and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked, checking occasionally.

10. 10.Add Garam Masala, Fenugreek, and Cream

    Uncover the chicken and stir. Add 1 tsp garam masala powder and 1 tbsp dry fenugreek leaves (Kasuri Methi), mix well. Then, add 4 tbsp cream and mix it into the gravy. Cover the pan again and cook on low heat for 5 minutes.

11. 11.Prepare and Add Tarka

    While the chicken is simmering, prepare the tarka. In a separate small pan, melt 2 tbsp butter and add 2 tbsp oil. Add 4 sliced green chilies and cook for 1 minute until they are slightly softened. Pour this tarka over the cooked chicken.

12. 12.Garnish and Final Simmer

    Garnish the chicken with chopped cilantro. Mix gently. Cover the pan and cook on low heat for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Chicken Mumtaz is now ready to be served.