Indian Lentils With Chicken And Spinach Recipes

INDIAN LENTILS AND SPINACH

Steps:

• Heat oil in a heavy pan over medium heat. Cook and stir onion in the hot oil until beginning to turn golden brown, about 10 minutes. Add minced garlic to onion; cook and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute more.
• Mix chicken broth, lentils, 1/2 cup water, crushed garlic, coriander, salt, cumin, chili powder, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, cayenne pepper, and bay leaf into onion mixture; bring to a boil. Cover pan, lower heat to medium-low, and simmer until lentils are soft, about 35 minutes.
• Place spinach in a microwave-safe bowl and add 1/4 cup water; heat in microwave for 5 minutes. Stir spinach and continue cooking in microwave until heated through, about 5 minutes more. Let spinach cool, about 5 minutes; drain water and squeeze excess water from spinach.
• Mix spinach into lentils; cover pan and simmer until heated through, about 10 minutes.

LENTIL CHICKEN CURRY

Steps:

• Season chicken - Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. Place in a medium bowl and season with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp of curry powder - combine well and leave to marinate for 15 mins.Pro tip - This chicken can be left to marinate for up to 12 hours in the fridge.
• Saute chicken - In a heavy bottom saute pan or cast-iron skillet, add 1 tbsp oil. Saute the chicken on medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the pan and keep warm. Pro tip -We want to get some color on the chicken, not cook it. It will cook later in the sauce.
• Saute - To the same pan, add remaining oil - Saute onions for a minute. Then add the curry leaves and bay leaves. Followed by the grated ginger and minced garlic. Saute for 2 minutes.
• Curry - Next, add the chopped tomatoes and curry powder. Saute until you get a nice aroma of the spices - about 2 minutes.
• Lentils - Then, add the lentils and 1/2 cup water or broth. Cover and cook for 7 minutes.Pro tip - Lentils take longer than chicken to cook so we cook them halfway before adding the chicken.
• Chicken - Next, return the chicken back to the pan along with the coconut milk and remaining water or broth. Cover and cook for 15 minutes until lentils are soft.
• Finish - Add the garam masala, tamarind paste (or vinegar). Return to a boil then taste and adjust seasoning.
• Serve over steamed rice or Indian bread like chapati or naan

CHICKEN SAAG

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and fry the chicken pieces until browned, about 8 minutes per side. Set the chicken aside.
• Place the spinach into a large pot with 1/4 cup of water, bring to a boil, cover the pan, and remove from heat. Allow the spinach to steam for about 10 minutes, then place into a blender, and blend until very finely chopped. Set the spinach aside.
• Place the onions, garlic, and ginger into the skillet, and fry over medium heat, stirring frequently, until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Pour in the tomatoes, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, turmeric, cardamom, cloves, and salt; stir in 1 tablespoon water, and cook, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes. Pour in the milk, stir to combine, and return the chicken pieces to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the chicken is tender, about 20 minutes. Stir the spinach and garam masala into the skillet, and cook until the spinach starts to stick to the pan, about 15 minutes.
• Stir in sour cream, and bring the mixture just to a simmer. Remove from heat and stir in butter.