Chicken Curry Adapted From Julie Sahni Classic Indian Cooking Recipes

CLASSIC INDIAN CHICKEN CURRY

Steps:

• Warm the oil in a large pan. Dice the onion finely and fry it for as long as you can without it burning, normally this takes about 10-15 minutes. you can add salt , about a teaspoon and a half at this stage, which speeds up the frying process. the onions need to be gold and crispy.
• Add the garlic and ginger and fry till gold.
• Add the cumin, coriander, fenugreek, garam masala, tumeric and chilli powder, stir fry for about 8-10 minutes till really fragrant, stir to avoid sticking and burning.
• Add the tomato puree and fry again all together, should thicken immediately. then add the chopped tomato, breaking the pieces into the spice mixture, till the whole thing is red. the whole idea is to fry for as long as possible without burning. this is the secret to a good curry!
• Add the chicken, combine well and fry a further few minutes till sealed. then add a cup of water, lower the fire and let cook till the oil rises above the sauce and chicken is tender. keep checking to make sure it doesnt dry out, but not too often.
• Check the salt, add if necessary. then add a handful of chopped coriander.
• Serve with boiled rice or nan.

CHICKEN KABULI (MURGH KABULI)

Steps:

• Buzz the garlic, ginger, tomatoes and yogurt in a food processor until they are a fine purée.
• Combine the oil and the puréed mixture in a large heavy-bottomed pan, preferably one with a non-stick surface. Place the pan over medium-high heat, and cook -- stirring constantly to prevent sticking and burning -- until the mixture reduces to a thick sauce and the fat begins to separate (about 15 minutes). It splatters some toward the end, so stay alert.
• Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring rapidly, until they lose their pink colour and begin to sear slightly (about 5 minutes), but do not let them brown.
• Add the mace, nutmeg, almonds, cardamon, cumin, coriander, fennel and salt, and mix well.
• Reduce heat, cover the pan and let the chicken cook in its own juices for 15 minutes.
• Uncover and continue cooking for another 15 minutes (or until the chicken is fork tender).
• Stir in the cream, black pepper and cilantro/coriander leaves, and turn off heat.
• Let the dish rest, covered, for at least 1 hour. When ready to serve, reheat thoroughly, check for salt and serve.

CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA

Steps:

• Marinate the chicken:
• Use a fork to prick the chicken breasts all over on both sides. Arrange the chicken breasts on a large sheet of plastic wrap, spacing them apart from one another, then cover with a second large sheet of plastic wrap. Using the smooth side of a meat mallet or a rolling pin, beat the chicken until the breasts are an even 1/2- to 3/4-inch thickness.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, 1 tablespoon peanut oil, lime juice, and garlic. Add the pounded chicken, and rub the marinade over the meat. Set the chicken aside while you make the sauce.
• Make the sauce:
• In a small bowl, whisk together the coriander, cumin, cardamom, nutmeg, paprika, cayenne, and grated ginger. In a heavy, wide 4-quart pot or sauté pan over moderately high heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until light brown and caramelized, about 5 minutes. (Note that because they are sautéed so quickly over moderately high heat, the onions will not caramelize evenly.) Reduce the heat to moderate then stir in the spice and ginger mixture. Add the tomato purée, water, heavy cream, and salt, and bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce the heat to gently simmer the sauce, uncovered, until thickened slightly, about 10 minutes. DO AHEAD: The sauce can be prepared ahead and refrigerated, in an airtight container, up to 3 days.
• While sauce is simmering, cook chicken:
• Heat a heavy 11- to 12-inch griddle or skillet over moderately high heat until very hot and add 1/2 tablespoon of peanut oil. Working in two batches, cook the chicken breasts, turning them a few times and lowering the heat if the chicken chars too quickly, until just cooked through and browned well on both sides, 6 to 8 minutes total. Transfer the chicken as cooked to a cutting board. Wipe the griddle or skillet clean with a paper towel and cook the remaining chicken, adding the remaining 1/2 tablespoon peanut oil between batches.
• When all the chicken is cooked, cut it into 1 1/2-inch pieces. Add the chicken to the simmering sauce and continue to gently simmer it, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the black pepper and chopped cilantro, and season with salt. DO AHEAD: Chicken tikka masala can be prepared ahead, cooled, uncovered, and refrigerated, covered, up to 3 days.
• To serve:
• Transfer the chicken to a serving dish and garnish with additional cilantro sprigs. Serve with naan, and/or if desired with Basmati Rice .