Indian Dinner Party Feast: Coriander Chicken Curry, Pea Pulao, Chana Dal, Onion Pakoras & Lactose-Free Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Introduction and Meal Plan

The host welcomes viewers, explains it's 2 PM, and outlines the plan to cook a multi-course Indian dinner for friends, including chicken curry, rice, dal, and a lactose-free cake. She mentions having gone to the gym and done some work before starting to cook.

Step 2: Prepare Onions for Chicken Curry

Begin by peeling and chopping onions for the coriander chicken curry. The host mentions that one of her friends is dairy intolerant, so she will be making a coriander chicken curry, which is naturally dairy-free. She also mentions that she doesn't usually measure ingredients unless creating recipes for others.

Step 3: Dry Roast Coriander Seeds

Dry roast coriander seeds in a pan until fragrant. This is the first step for the coriander chicken curry.

Step 4: Sauté Fenugreek Seeds and Onions

Add oil to the pan, then add fenugreek seeds. Once the fenugreek seeds start to sizzle, add the chopped onions and sauté until they start to brown.

Step 5: Prepare Ginger-Garlic Paste and Chicken

While the onions are sautéing, prepare ginger-garlic paste. Also, prep the chicken pieces (bone-in) for the curry. The host also prepares chicken breasts for meal prep for the week ahead by flattening them.

Step 6: Add Chicken, Spices, and Tomato Puree to Curry

Add the chicken pieces to the sautéed onions. Then add ginger-garlic paste, various spices (turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, etc.), and tomato puree. Mix well, cover, and cook for 45 minutes.

Step 7: Start Pea Pulao

In a separate pan, add oil and cumin seeds. Once the cumin seeds crackle, add chopped onions and sauté. Then add peas and rice, followed by boiling water (2 parts water to 1 part rice). Cover and cook for 12 minutes. The host mentions she's using 400g of rice for 8 people, assuming they will also eat rotis.

Step 8: Chicken Curry and Pulao Done

The chicken curry has finished cooking after 45 minutes. The host checks that the chicken is tender and falling apart. The pea pulao is also done. The host turns off the heat for both and plans to let the curry sit to absorb flavors.

Step 9: Prepare Chana Dal

Wash 1 cup of chana dal and add it to a pressure cooker with water, salt, and turmeric. Cook until tender. While the dal is cooking, the host cleans up the kitchen.

Step 10: Shred Roasted Chicken Breast

The previously roasted chicken breasts are shredded and placed in a container to cool, then stored in the fridge for meal prep.

Step 11: Temper Chana Dal

Once the chana dal is cooked, prepare a 'tadka' (tempering). Heat oil in a small pan, add cumin seeds, and ginger-garlic paste. Pour this tempering over the cooked dal and garnish with fresh coriander.

Step 12: Prepare Salad

Chop cucumber, radishes, and red onions. Dress with olive oil and lemon juice. This salad is now ready.

Step 13: Bake Lactose-Free Chocolate Cake

The host prepares a lactose-free, butter-free, milk-free chocolate snack cake from a friend's cookbook. The cake is put into the oven to bake.

Step 14: Knead Dough for Rotis

Knead dough for rotis. The host mentions she has showered and is now making rotis and onion pakoras.

Step 15: Prepare Onion Pakoras

Slice onions thinly for pakoras. Mix them with gram flour and spices. Heat oil in a kadai (wok) for frying.

Step 16: Set the Table

The dining table is set with placemats, plates, cutlery, and napkins. The host expresses satisfaction with the table setting.

Step 17: Fry Pakoras and Cook Rotis

Fry the onion pakoras in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Simultaneously, roll out the roti dough and cook them on a hot tawa (griddle) until puffed and cooked through. The host juggles cooking both simultaneously.

Step 18: Glaze Chocolate Cake

The lactose-free chocolate cake is out of the oven and cooled. It is then generously glazed with chocolate icing.

Step 19: Final Meal Presentation

All the dishes are now ready and arranged on the dining table: pea pulao, chana dal, salad, papadums, and the chicken curry. The host's friends arrive and compliment the spread.

Step 20: Aftermath: Cleanup and Dessert

After the dinner, the host shows the clean kitchen and dining area. The chocolate cake has been cut and enjoyed, with some slices remaining. The host is ready for bed.

• Cook chicken curry in advance to allow flavors to meld.

• Prep ingredients like ginger-garlic paste and chicken breasts for future meals to save time.

• Wash dishes as you go to minimize cleanup at the end.

• For rice, use 2 parts water to 1 part rice.

• When cooking for friends, don't be afraid to cook by intuition rather than strict measurements.

• If making rotis, let the dough rest for better texture.

• Fry pakoras just before serving for maximum crispiness.

• The chicken breast prepared separately can be used for salads or other quick meals.

• The chocolate cake is a lactose-free, butter-free, milk-free recipe.