Himachali Chicken Curry Recipe

How to Make Himachal Chicken Curry

Himachal Chicken Curry Recipe: This Himachal Chicken Curry is a delicious recipe and perfect for this winter season. You can eat it with butter naan or boiled rice.

Ingredients of Himachal Chicken Curry400 gems chicken

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 1 tsp haldi

• 2-3 cloves

• 1/4 tsp fennel seeds

• 1/2 tsp red chilli powder

• 1/4 tsp coriander seeds

• 1/4 cup yogurt

• 1/4 cup milk

• 2 eliches

• 1/2 inch cinnamon stick

• 3-4 green chillies

• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/2 inch ginger, minced

• 2 tbsp mustard oil

• Salt, to taste

• Coriander leaves, for garnish

How to Make Himachal Chicken Curry

1. To make Himachal Chicken Curry, first marinate the chicken pieces with turmeric, salt and black pepper. Keep it aside for a few minutes.

2. - Heat mustard oil in a pan and add all the spices in it. Cook for a minute or two and then add chopped onion, ginger, garlic and green chillies and continue cooking.

3. Once done, put it in a mixer grinder to make a smooth paste. You can add some water if necessary.

4. - Heat mustard oil again in the same pan and add the prepared masala paste. Let it cook for a few minutes, and then garnish the pan with whipped curd and milk.

5. Stir it well before adding the marinated chicken pieces. - Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 15 to 20 minutes.

6. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot! Himachal-style chicken curry is ready to be savoured.

Here are some important tips to make Himachal Chicken Curry:

Himachali Chicken Curry, also known as Pahari Chicken, is a delicious dish that comes from the beautiful mountains of Himachal Pradesh in India. This dish, full of taste and aroma, is a testament to the culinary diversity of India. It is a celebration of traditional Himachali cuisine, known for its spicy flavors and use of local ingredients.

The recipe starts with selecting the chicken. The quality of the chicken is important as it is the main ingredient of the dish. Traditionally, free-range chicken is used, which is known for its firm texture and rich flavor. The chicken is cleaned, cut into pieces, prepared to marinate and cook.

The next step is the preparation of spices. Himachali cuisine is known for its unique blend of spices, which gives the dishes their distinctive taste. The spices used in this curry include turmeric, cloves, fennel, red chili powder, coriander seeds, cardamom and cinnamon sticks. These spices are carefully measured and mixed together, ready to be used in curries.

The cooking process starts with heating the mustard oil in a large vessel. Mustard oil is commonly used in Himachali cuisine for its pungent flavor and high smoke point. Once the oil is hot, add chopped onion, minced garlic and minced ginger to the pot. These ingredients are fried until the onions turn golden brown, allowing their sweet and aromatic flavors to infuse into the oil.

Next, the chicken pieces are added to the pot. The heat of the oil dries out the chicken, sucking out its juices and enhancing its flavor. The mixed spices are then added to the pot, coating the chicken pieces evenly. The spices are roasted with the chicken, allowing their flavors to penetrate the meat.

Then curd and milk are mixed in the vessel. The acidity of the curd softens the chicken, while the milk adds a creamy texture to the curry. Green chilli is also added to it for heat. The pot is then covered, and the curry is left to simmer on low flame. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to blend together, resulting in a rich and flavorful curry.

The final touch to the curry is to add coriander leaves. Fresh coriander leaves add freshness to the curry, balancing the rich and spicy flavour. After this the curry is ready to serve. It is traditionally served with steamed rice or roti, a type of Indian bread.

Cooking Himachali Chicken Curry is not just about preparing the food. It is a journey through the culinary traditions of Himachal Pradesh. Each ingredient, each step of the process, tells a story about the people, culture and traditions of this beautiful region. It is a celebration of flavours, a testament to the diversity of Indian cuisine and a tribute to the culinary heritage of Himachal Pradesh. Enjoy your cooking! 😊

Do note that these tips will help in making your Himachal Chicken Curry even more delicious.