Spiced Chicken Masala

Ingredients

• 750 gm chicken
• 2 cups chopped onions
• Salt
• 2-inch cinnamon stick
• 2 green cardamom pods
• 1 black cardamom pod
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tsp ginger paste
• 2 tsp garlic paste
• 2 tsp coriander powder
• 2 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 2 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tbsp garam masala powder
• 2 tsp kasoori methi powder
• 2 green chilies (slit)
• ½ cup minced tomatoes
• 3 tsp fresh coriander leaves
• 1 tablespoon ghee
• 4 tablespoon mustard oil
• 1 cup water

Instructions

1. Begin by washing the chicken thoroughly under running water. Soak it in warm salted water for about 10 minutes. Drain and rinse again to eliminate any residual odor.

2. Heat ghee and mustard oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, green and black cardamom. Sauté for a minute until fragrant. Add the chopped onions and cook until they turn pink. Incorporate the ginger-garlic paste, stir, and fry for a minute.

3. Add the chicken pieces to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they turn white. Mix in the red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric, and salt. Stir well to coat the chicken with spices. Add the chopped tomatoes and green chilies. Reduce the flame, cover the pan, and let it cook for 6-7 minutes.

4. Uncover the pan, continue to cook the chicken until browned. Pour in 1 cup of water, cover, and simmer for 2-4 minutes until the chicken is tender. Finish by adding garam masala powder, kasoori methi powder, and fresh coriander leaves. Increase the heat and cook until the oil separates.

Your rich and aromatic Masala Chicken is ready to be served! Pair it with butter naan, roti, or basmati rice for a hearty, flavorful meal. Enjoy!