SECRETS To Cooking A PERFECT Indian Style CHICKEN CURRY (STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS)

Introduction

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide to making a perfect Indian-style chicken curry. Ideal for beginners, this recipe emphasizes the use of chicken on the bone for maximum flavor, and includes detailed instructions on ingredients, preparation, and cooking techniques.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients ready:

• Chicken: 2.2 lb (1 kg) chicken on bones
• Potatoes: 2 large (quartered) or medium (halved)
• Onion: 1 very large or 2 medium-sized (reserve a quarter for paste)
• Ginger: 2-inch piece
• Garlic: 10 large cloves
• Tomato: 1 large
• Green chillies: 2 (optional)
• Spices:
  • 2 large dry bay leaves
  • 1-inch cinnamon stick
  • 6 to 7 green cardamoms
  • 4 to 5 cloves
• Dairy: 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• Spices:
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 2 heaped teaspoons Kashmiri red chilli powder (adjust for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground mace (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• Seasoning: 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• Liquid: 1 cup hot water (up to 1.5 cups for more gravy)
• Oil: 1/4 cup (4 to 5 tablespoons)

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

• Onion Paste:
  • Chop the reserved quarter of the onion and blend it with ginger and garlic to form a smooth paste.
• Tomato:
  • Chop the tomato finely.
• Potatoes:
  • Cut the potatoes into quarters or halves as per size.

Step 3: Start Cooking the Curry

• Heat Oil:
  • In a large pan, heat 1/4 cup of oil over medium heat.
• Sauté Whole Spices:
  • Add 2 bay leaves, the cinnamon stick, cardamoms, and cloves. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add Onion Paste:
  • Pour in the prepared onion, ginger, and garlic paste. Cook until the mixture is golden brown, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Build the Curry Base

• Incorporate Tomato:
  • Add the chopped tomato and cook until it softens and blends with the onion paste.
• Add Spices:
  • Mix in turmeric, Kashmiri red chilli powder, ground coriander, and salt. Stir well to combine.
• Add Yogurt:
  • Slowly incorporate the yogurt, mixing thoroughly to create a smooth base.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken and Potatoes

• Add Chicken:
  • Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well-coated with the curry base.
• Cook Potatoes:
  • Add the quartered potatoes to the pan.
• Add Water:
  • Pour in 1 cup of hot water (or more for a thinner gravy). Bring to a boil.

Step 6: Simmer and Finish

• Simmer:
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Add Final Spices:
  • About 5 minutes before finishing, add garam masala, ground mace, ground nutmeg, and sugar (if using). Adjust seasoning as needed.

Conclusion

You’ve successfully made an authentic Indian-style chicken curry! Serve it hot with rice, roti, paratha, or naan. Enjoy the rich flavors and don’t hesitate to adjust the spice levels to your preference. For further culinary adventures, consider exploring other recipes from the channel or experimenting with different proteins and vegetables in your curry. Happy cooking!