Unlike many other curries, Desi chicken curry requires the chicken to be fried for a while before any liquid is added.
Traditionally, the dish is made with the Desi chickens native to India, which are free-range and generally expensive in comparison to more standard broiler chickens. Desi chickens are difficult to source in the UK, however, so any breed of chicken is appropriate for this particular recipe (though we would always recommend investing in a free-range bird). The recipe is taken from North Indian Abdul Yaseen – Head Chef of Darbaar in the city of London, who will also be appearing at Taste of London: The Festive Edition, taking place this weekend.
Ingredients
Chicken thighs, 1kg, skin off and cut into two
Corn or vegetable oil, 75ml
Cumin seeds, ½ teaspoon
Bay leaves, 2
Green cardamom pods, 3
Black pepper corns, 4
Red onions, 4, finely chopped
Ginger paste, 1tbsp
Garlic paste, 1tbsp
Cumin powder, 2tbsp
Coriander powder, 2tbsp
Chilli powder, 1tbsp
Turmeric, 1tbsp
Salt, 2tsp
Tomatoes, 4, blended to a puree
Water or chicken stock, 400ml
Garam masala powder, ¼ tsp
Fresh coriander, 1tbsp, chopped
Method
Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the whole spices.
Once they crackle, add the onions and fry on medium heat until golden brown. Stir in the chicken and cook for a further 5-8 minutes.
Add the ginger and garlic paste and coriander, salt, cumin, chilli and turmeric powders, and cook for another 10 minutes with constant stirring until the spices begin to release their flavours.
Now add tomato puree and cook for another 5 minutes and add water or stock. Now reduce heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked.
Check the seasoning, if required, and sprinkle the roasted garam masala powder and finish with green coriander. Serve with steamed rice.
Darbaar Restaurant will be appearing at Taste of London: The Festive Edition which will be transforming Tobacco Dock into a festive foodie wonderland this weekend from 17th – 20th November. For more information and tickets please visit london.tastefestivals.com.
