Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Marinate the Chicken

   In a large bowl, combine the chicken with all the ingredients listed under 'For the Marinade'. Mix thoroughly to ensure each piece is well-coated. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.

2. 2.Prepare the Masala Paste

   In a small bowl, combine sesame seeds, cashews, and broken Kashmiri dry red chillies. Pour 1/4 cup of lukewarm water over them and let them soak for 15 minutes.

3. 3.Blend the Paste

   Transfer the soaked spices to a blending jar. Add garlic cloves, ginger pieces, and another 1/4 cup of water. Blend to a smooth paste.

4. 4.Prepare Crushed Spices

   In a mortar and pestle, add black cardamom, green cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and black peppercorns. Crush them together into a coarse powder.

5. 5.Sauté Aromatics

   Heat oil in a pan. Add bay leaves, the crushed whole spices, and cumin seeds. Sauté for a few seconds until they become aromatic.

6. 6.Fry the Onions

   Add the sliced onions to the pan. Stir fry for 3 minutes, then continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn golden brown.

7. 7.Cook the Chicken

   Add the marinated chicken to the pan with the fried onions. Keep turning and mixing for 3-4 minutes on medium heat.

8. 8.Add Masala Paste

   Add the blended masala paste to the chicken. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

9. 9.First Simmer

   Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 20 minutes on a medium flame, allowing the chicken to cook through.

10. 10.Add Final Spices

    After 20 minutes, remove the lid. Add garam masala and salt to taste. Stir well to combine.

11. 11.Final Cook

    Cover the pan again and cook for another 10 minutes on a medium-high flame until the oil separates from the gravy.

12. 12.Garnish and Serve

    Turn off the flame. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and mix gently. The Dhaba Style Chicken Curry is ready.