Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Marinate the chicken

   Combine 1 kg country chicken (large curry cut with bones) with 4 tsp chilli powder, 1 tsp turmeric, 2 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp groundnut oil in a bowl. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated. Set aside to marinate for 60 minutes.

2. 2.Prepare the masala powder

   In a pan, add 3 tsp coriander seeds, 1.25 tsp poppy seeds (khuskhus), 4 cloves, 2 cinnamon sticks, 3 cardamom pods, 6 garlic cloves (with skin), 2 tbsp desiccated coconut (khopra), 3 dry red chillies, and 3 Kashmiri chillies. Dry roast on low heat for 3 minutes, stirring continuously until aromatic.

3. 3.Grind the spices

   Transfer the roasted spices to a grinder and grind into a fine powder.

4. 4.Sauté whole spices

   Heat 7 tbsp oil in a pressure cooker. Add 6 cloves, 4 cinnamon sticks, 6 cardamom pods, and 10 peppercorns. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.

5. 5.Cook onions, green chilies, and curry leaves

   Add 4 medium (300 gms) chopped onions, 6 half-slit green chilies, and 30-40 curry leaves to the pressure cooker. Fry on medium heat for 8 minutes until the onions turn translucent and slightly golden.

6. 6.Add ginger garlic paste

   Add 4 tsp ginger garlic paste to the cooker and fry on low heat for 2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.

7. 7.Cook tomatoes

   Add 2 medium (150 gms) chopped tomatoes and 1/4 tsp salt. Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and the mixture becomes pulpy.

8. 8.Add marinated chicken

   Add the marinated chicken to the cooker. Cook on medium heat for 7 minutes, stirring frequently, to sear the chicken and allow it to absorb the flavors.

9. 9.Incorporate masala powder

   Add the freshly ground masala powder to the chicken. Cook on low heat for 7 minutes, stirring well to ensure the masala coats the chicken and releases its aroma.

10. 10.Pressure cook the curry

    Pour 600 ml water into the cooker and mix well. Close the lid and pressure cook for 6-7 whistles.

11. 11.Serve

    Once the pressure is released naturally, open the cooker. Stir the chicken curry and serve hot.