Calcutta Chicken and Rice

Calcutta Chicken and Rice Recipe - Authentic Indian Cuisine

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Calcutta Chicken and Rice is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a rich and savory curry sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests with its exotic flavors and comforting appeal.

History

Calcutta Chicken and Rice is a popular dish that originated in the vibrant city of Kolkata, India. This dish is a fusion of Indian and British culinary influences, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of the region. The use of curry powder, marmalade, and gravy in this recipe showcases the unique blend of flavors that define Calcutta cuisine.

Ingredients

8 choice broiler-fryer pieces
salt and ground black pepper
2 tbsp butter or margarine
1 medium onion, sliced and separated into rings
1 to 1.5 tbsp curry powder
1 x 10.5 oz (298 g) can chicken gravy
3 tbsp orange marmalade
3 tbsp catsup
2 to 3 cups hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper.
Melt the butter in a 10-inch skillet.
Add the chicken and cook over medium-high heat until browned on all sides.
Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Pour off any excess fat.
Add the onion to the skillet and cook, stirring, over low heat until soft but not browned.
Stir in the curry powder, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned particles.
Add the gravy, marmalade, and ketchup.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Arrange the chicken pieces in the sauce.
Reduce the heat to simmer, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
Serve the chicken and sauce over beds of fluffy rice.

Variations

Substitute chicken thighs or drumsticks for a different cut of chicken.
Add diced vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or carrots to the sauce for added texture and flavor.
Use coconut milk instead of gravy for a creamy and tropical twist on this dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to brown the chicken pieces before simmering them in the sauce to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.

- Adjust the amount of curry powder to suit your taste preferences, adding more for a spicier dish or less for a milder flavor.

- Serve the Calcutta Chicken and Rice over fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce and create a satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Calcutta Chicken and Rice with a side of naan bread or papadums for a complete Indian-inspired meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness and flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken before simmering it in the sauce helps to develop flavor and create a rich and savory dish.

- Simmering the chicken in the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and creates a tender and juicy chicken dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ghee or vegetable oil instead of margarine for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute mango chutney for the orange marmalade for a sweet and tangy twist on this dish.

- Use tomato sauce or puree instead of catsup for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken in advance to save time on busy weeknights. Store the components separately in the refrigerator and assemble the dish just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Calcutta Chicken and Rice in individual bowls or on a platter for a beautiful and inviting presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs, sliced almonds, or a sprinkle of garam masala for added visual appeal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Calcutta Chicken and Rice with a side of cucumber raita, mango lassi, or a refreshing salad for a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Serve with a glass of chilled white wine or a cold beer for a refreshing beverage option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Calcutta Chicken and Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Calcutta Chicken and Rice contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying and balanced meal option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Calcutta Chicken and Rice contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates, making it a filling and satisfying meal option.

Fats

This dish is moderate in fat, with each serving containing around 12 grams of fat. The use of margarine and gravy adds richness to the sauce while keeping the dish relatively light.

Proteins

Calcutta Chicken and Rice is a protein-rich dish, with each serving providing approximately 25 grams of protein. The chicken pieces are a good source of lean protein, making this dish a nutritious and satisfying option.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the orange marmalade and onions. The curry powder also adds a variety of spices and herbs that contribute to the overall nutritional value of the dish.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the gravy and potential allergens in the curry powder. Be sure to check the labels of these ingredients if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.

Summary

Calcutta Chicken and Rice is a well-rounded dish that provides a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This flavorful and aromatic dish is a delicious and nutritious option for a satisfying meal.

Summary

Calcutta Chicken and Rice is a delicious and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a rich and savory curry sauce. This flavorful and satisfying meal is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests with its exotic flavors and comforting appeal. Enjoy this dish with fluffy rice and a side of naan bread for a complete Indian-inspired meal that is sure to impress.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Calcutta Chicken and Rice. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my friend in India. Her mother was in the kitchen, preparing a delicious meal for us. The aroma of spices filled the air, and I knew I had to learn how to make this incredible dish.

As my friend's mother cooked, I watched her every move. She effortlessly combined fragrant spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander with tender pieces of chicken and fluffy basmati rice. The flavors mingled together in a harmonious dance, creating a dish that was both comforting and exotic.

I asked my friend's mother for the recipe, and she smiled warmly before handing me a tattered piece of paper. On it was the handwritten recipe for Calcutta Chicken and Rice, passed down through generations in her family. I felt honored to receive such a precious gift, and I promised myself that I would cherish it forever.

When I returned home, I wasted no time in trying out the recipe. I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen. As I cooked, the memories of my time in India flooded back, and I felt a sense of connection to a place and a culture far removed from my own.

The smell of the spices filled my kitchen, and I knew that I had captured the essence of the dish perfectly. When I took my first bite, I was transported back to that hot summer day in India, surrounded by friends and flavors that I would never forget.

Over the years, I have made Calcutta Chicken and Rice countless times. Each time, I am reminded of the generosity of my friend's mother and the beauty of Indian cuisine. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on a piece of my own culinary journey to those I love.

But the recipe for Calcutta Chicken and Rice is more than just a dish to me. It is a reminder of the power of food to connect us to different cultures and traditions. It is a symbol of the friendships I have forged and the memories I have made along the way.

I often think back to that hot summer day in India, and I am grateful for the lessons I learned in my friend's kitchen. The recipe for Calcutta Chicken and Rice has become a part of who I am, a thread that ties me to a world beyond my own.

As I sit down to enjoy a steaming plate of Calcutta Chicken and Rice, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and wonder. The flavors dance on my tongue, and I am reminded once again of the power of food to nourish not just our bodies, but our souls as well. And for that, I will always be thankful.