Chicken Tarkari

Chicken Tarkari Recipe from Nepal with Cardamom and Cinnamon

Region / culture: Nepal | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Tarkari is a flavorful and aromatic dish that originates from the Indian subcontinent. It is a popular chicken curry dish that is loved for its rich and spicy flavors. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion.

History

Chicken Tarkari has been a staple in Indian cuisine for centuries. It is a traditional dish that has been passed down through generations. The combination of spices and ingredients used in this dish reflects the rich culinary history of the region.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) chicken, skinned, boned, and cut into 1.5 inch cubes
3 cup onion, chopped
2 cup yogurt
2 cup chicken stock
5 cloves
5 cardamom, bruised
1 inch cinnamon stick
2 bay leaves
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1 tbsp ginger, minced
1 tsp turmeric
1 tbsp cumin powder
1 tbsp coriander powder
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp fresh ground pepper
0.25 tsp grated nutmeg
4 tbsp mustard oil
salt to taste
2 tbsp chopped cilantro for garnish

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces, pepper, turmeric, and salt; toss well.
In a non-stick saucepan, heat oil.
To the hot oil, add cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and bay leaves; fry for 30 seconds.
Add chopped onions and fry until brown.
Put garlic and ginger into the onion mixture; fry for 30 seconds.
To this mixture, add cumin, coriander, chili powder, and grated nutmeg.
Mix them well for a minute or so on low heat.
Increase the heat to medium and transfer chicken pieces into the spice mixture; stir well to brown.
Add yogurt and chicken stock to the browned chicken.
Lower the heat to low and let simmer until chicken pieces are tender and the sauce has thickened up to a desired consistency, about 35-45 minutes.
When cooked, turn off the heat and add chopped cilantro to garnish.
Serve hot with rice and/or roti.

Variations

Add vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers to the dish for added texture and flavor.
Use coconut milk instead of yogurt for a creamy variation of the dish.
Substitute chicken with lamb or beef for a different protein option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Marinating the chicken in spices before cooking helps to infuse the flavors into the meat.

- Browning the chicken before adding the liquid ingredients helps to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Adjust the amount of chili powder according to your spice preference.

- Garnishing with fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Tarkari can be served with steamed rice, naan bread, or roti. It pairs well with a side of cucumber raita or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the chicken in the sauce helps to tenderize the meat and allows the flavors to meld together.

- Stirring the chicken occasionally while cooking ensures even cooking and prevents sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ghee or vegetable oil instead of mustard oil.

- Substitute ground spices for whole spices if preferred.

Make Ahead Tips

Chicken Tarkari can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store the dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a drizzle of lemon juice for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the dish in a decorative serving bowl for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken Tarkari with a side of fragrant basmati rice, cucumber raita, and a refreshing mango lassi for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Chicken Tarkari in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 12g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 10% of daily value per serving

Iron: 15% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains dairy (yogurt)

Summary

Chicken Tarkari is a protein-rich dish that is moderate in carbohydrates and fats. It is a good source of iron and vitamin C.

Summary

Chicken Tarkari is a delicious and aromatic chicken curry dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. With a rich blend of spices and tender chicken, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Chicken Tarkari. It was tucked away in an old recipe book that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. The pages were yellowed with age and the ink was faded, but the recipe for Chicken Tarkari stood out to me like a gem among stones.

I had never heard of Chicken Tarkari before, but the ingredients listed seemed familiar enough – chicken, onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and a blend of exotic spices. As I read through the instructions, I could almost smell the fragrant aroma of the dish wafting through the air.

I decided then and there that I had to try my hand at making Chicken Tarkari. I gathered all the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen, following the recipe to the letter. The preparation was laborious, but I found solace in the rhythmic chopping of vegetables and the gentle sizzle of spices in the pan.

As the dish simmered on the stove, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building within me. I knew that this Chicken Tarkari was going to be something special, something memorable.

When it was finally time to taste the finished dish, I ladled a generous portion onto my plate and took a tentative bite. The flavors exploded on my taste buds – savory, spicy, and full of depth. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I was instantly hooked.

From that day on, Chicken Tarkari became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on quiet evenings at home. Each time I made it, I would tweak the recipe ever so slightly, adding a pinch more of this spice or a dash more of that one, until it was just right.

Over the years, I shared the recipe for Chicken Tarkari with friends and neighbors, each one of them marveling at the exotic flavors and asking me where I had learned to make such a delicious dish. I would simply smile and say that it was a family recipe, passed down through generations.

But the truth was, I had never learned to make Chicken Tarkari from my own family. The recipe had come to me from a chance encounter with a woman at a local market, who had overheard me talking about my love of cooking and had offered to teach me a few of her favorite recipes.

I had spent the day with her in her kitchen, watching as she effortlessly whipped up dish after dish, each one more delicious than the last. When it came time to make Chicken Tarkari, she had handed me the recipe and guided me through the steps, her hands moving with a grace and precision that only comes from years of practice.

As I sat down to enjoy my first taste of the finished dish, she had smiled at me knowingly and said, "Food is more than just sustenance, my dear. It is a connection to our past, a way of preserving memories and traditions for future generations. And now, this Chicken Tarkari will be a part of your own story."

And she was right. Chicken Tarkari had become more than just a recipe to me – it was a link to my past, a reminder of the woman who had taught me how to make it, and the countless others who had shared their knowledge and love of cooking with me over the years.

So now, whenever I make Chicken Tarkari, I do so with a sense of gratitude and reverence for all those who have helped me along the way. And as I sit down to enjoy a steaming plate of this delicious dish, I am reminded once again of the power of food to bring us together, to nourish our bodies and our souls, and to keep the stories of our ancestors alive for generations to come.