Dhaba Style Chicken Curry
Recipe Summary
- A rich and aromatic chicken curry made in the style of Indian roadside eateries (dhabas). The recipe involves marinating chicken and then cooking it in a flavorful gravy made with fried onions and a special spice paste.
All Ingredients - For the Marinade
- Chicken (Curry cut with bone) 1 KG
- Lemon Juice 1 TBSP
- Ginger Garlic Paste 1 TBSP
- Curd 2 TBSP
- Red Chilli Powder 1 TSP
- Coriander Powder (Dhaniya) 1 & 1/2 TSP
- Cumin Powder (Jeera) 1 TSP
- Black Pepper Powder (Kalimirch) 1/2 TSP
- Turmeric Powder (Haldi) 1 TSP
- Salt 2 TSP
- Mustard Oil 1 TSP
All Ingredients - For the Masala Paste
- Sesame Seed (Til) 2 TSP
- Cashew (Kaju) 6-8 Nos
- Kashmiri Dry Red Chilli 2 Nos
- Luke Warm Water (for soaking) 1/4 Cup
- Garlic 6-8 Nos
- Ginger 3-4 Pieces
- Water (for blending) 1/4 Cup
All Ingredients - For the Gravy
- Oil 4 TBSP
- Bay Leaf 2 Nos
- Black Cardamom (Kali Elaichi) 1 Nos
- Green Cardamom (Hari Elaichi) 1 Nos
- Cinnamon (Dalchini) 1 Piece
- Cloves (Laung) 2 Nos
- Black Pepper Corn (Kalimirch) 4-6 Nos
- Cumin Seed (Jeera) 1 TSP
- Sliced Onions 3 Medium Size
- Garam Masala 1 TSP
- Salt to taste
- Fresh Corianders for garnish
Tools You'll Need
- Pan
- Mixing bowl
- Mortar & pestle
Don't have an ingredient? Try these swaps
No Lemon juice?
- Lime juice (1:1)
- 1/2 the amount white vinegar — In dressings, savory dishes.
No Garlic (fresh)?
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (per clove)
- 1/2 tsp garlic granules (per clove)
No Yogurt?
- Sour cream (1:1)
- Buttermilk (1:1, slightly thinner result)
No Bay leaf?
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme (per leaf)
- Pinch of dried oregano
No Onion?
- 1 tbsp onion powder (per medium onion)
- 3 tbsp dried minced onion
- Shallots or leeks (1:1)
No Garam masala?
- 1 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1/4 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp cardamom
⚠ Contains Allergens
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 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 .
Step 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 .
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 6: Fry the Onions
Add the sliced onions to the pan. Stir fry for , then continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn golden brown.
Step 7: Cook the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken to the pan with the fried onions. Keep turning and mixing for on medium heat.
Step 8: Add Masala Paste
Add the blended masala paste to the chicken. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 9: First Simmer
Cover the pan with a lid and cook for on a medium flame, allowing the chicken to cook through.
Step 10: Add Final Spices
After , remove the lid. Add garam masala and salt to taste. Stir well to combine.
Step 11: Final Cook
Cover the pan again and cook for another on a medium-high flame until the oil separates from the gravy.
Step 12: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the flame. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and mix gently. The Dhaba Style Chicken Curry is ready.
Pro Tips
• Frying onions until golden brown is crucial for the color and flavor of the gravy.
• Soaking the dry spices in warm water helps in making a smooth paste.
• Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes makes it tender and flavorful.
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