Homestyle Chicken Curry

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, add ginger-garlic paste to the chicken pieces.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Add salt to the chicken.

Step 3: Add Turmeric

Sprinkle turmeric powder over the chicken.

Step 4: Add Chili Powder and Mix

Add red chili powder to the chicken and mix all the ingredients thoroughly until the chicken is well coated. Set aside to marinate.

Step 5: Prepare Gravy Paste

Take fried onions and chopped tomatoes, then blend them into a smooth paste (blending step not shown, but implied by ingredients and subsequent addition).

Step 6: Heat Oil and Temper Spices

Heat cooking oil in a pot or pressure cooker. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter for a few seconds. Then add a cinnamon stick.

Step 7: Sear the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken pieces to the hot oil. Stir well and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is lightly seared and changes color.

Step 8: Add Onion-Tomato Paste

Pour the blended fried onion and tomato paste over the chicken.

Step 9: Cook the Gravy

Mix the paste thoroughly with the chicken. Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oil starts to separate from the masala, indicating the paste is well cooked.

Step 10: Simmer Chicken

Cover the pot with a lid and let the chicken simmer for 10-15 minutes on low heat, allowing it to cook in its own juices and absorb the flavors.

Step 11: Add Water

Uncover the pot, stir the chicken, and then add water to achieve your desired gravy consistency.

Step 12: Add Green Chilies and Coriander

Add slit green chilies and chopped coriander leaves to the curry.

Step 13: Final Simmer

Stir everything together, cover the pot again, and simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the chicken is fully tender and the gravy has thickened to your liking. The curry is now ready to serve.

• Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for best flavor absorption.

• Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder to suit your spice preference.

• Cook the chicken on medium-low heat after adding the paste to ensure it becomes tender and absorbs all the flavors.

• Add cubed potatoes along with the chicken for a heartier curry.

• A spoonful of yogurt can be added to the onion-tomato paste for extra creaminess.

• Garnish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for a tangy kick.