Kashmiri Chicken

Kashmiri Chicken Recipe - Authentic Indian Dish with Yogurt and Spices

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Kashmiri Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that originates from the beautiful region of Kashmir in India. This dish is known for its rich and creamy sauce, which is made with a blend of yogurt, curry paste, and ground almonds. The chicken is marinated in a spicy yogurt mixture before being cooked to perfection. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat and a lot of flavor in their meals.

History

Kashmiri Chicken has its roots in the traditional cuisine of Kashmir, a region known for its rich and diverse culinary heritage. The dish is believed to have been influenced by the Mughal rulers who brought with them a love for rich and aromatic dishes. Over the years, Kashmiri Chicken has become a popular dish in Indian restaurants around the world, loved for its unique blend of spices and flavors.

Ingredients

4 chicken Drumsticks, Skinned
4 chicken Thighs, Skinned
5 oz (142 g) Natural yogurt
4 tbsp Tikka curry paste
2 tbsp sunflower oil
1 medium onion, Peeled, Thinly Sliced
1 clove garlic, Peeled and Crushed
1 tsp Ground cumin
1 tsp Chopped fresh ginger
0.5 tsp chilli Paste
4 tbsp chicken stock
2 tbsp ground almonds
salt

To Garnish

Toasted Flaked almonds
flat-leaf parsley

How to prepare

Cook Pilau rice.
Prepare pickles.
Serve with poppadoms.
Make slashes in the chicken and place it in a bowl.
Combine yogurt and curry paste, then coat the chicken evenly with the mixture.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Heat oil in a large pan and sauté onion and garlic for 4 to 5 minutes.
Add cumin, ginger, and chili to the pan and cook gently for 1 minute.
Add the chicken to the pan and fry gently, turning occasionally, for about 10 minutes.
Pour any remaining marinade into the pan, along with stock and ground almonds.
Cover the pan and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Season with salt to taste.
Sprinkle flaked almonds over the chicken and garnish with flat-leaf parsley.
Serve the chicken with pilau rice, pickles, and poppadoms.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with paneer or tofu.
Add vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or potatoes for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

- Use a good quality curry paste for the best flavor.

- Be sure to cook the chicken on a low heat to ensure it cooks evenly and stays tender.

- Garnish with toasted flaked almonds and fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Kashmiri Chicken with pilau rice, pickles, and poppadoms for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour for maximum flavor.

- Simmer the chicken in the sauce to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Greek yogurt as a substitute for natural yogurt.

- Use cashews or pistachios instead of almonds for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with fresh parsley and toasted flaked almonds for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Kashmiri Chicken with a side of naan bread or roti for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

320 per serving

Carbohydrates

12g per serving

Fats

18g per serving

Proteins

28g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in Vitamin C, Iron, and Calcium.

Alergens

Contains nuts (almonds) and dairy (yogurt)

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and healthy fats, but it is also high in calories and carbohydrates. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Kashmiri Chicken is a delicious and aromatic dish that is perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors and spicy dishes. With a rich and creamy sauce made with yogurt, curry paste, and ground almonds, this dish is sure to impress. Serve with pilau rice, pickles, and poppadoms for a complete meal that will transport you to the beautiful region of Kashmir.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with excitement. I had heard so much about the exotic and flavorful dishes of Kashmir, and I couldn't wait to try my hand at making one of them. The recipe had come to me from a dear friend who had recently visited the region and had been kind enough to bring back some authentic spices and ingredients for me to use.

As I read through the list of ingredients and instructions, I could already imagine the rich aroma of spices filling my kitchen and the tender chicken pieces simmering in a fragrant sauce. I knew that this dish would be a labor of love, requiring patience and attention to detail, but I was eager to take on the challenge.

I began by marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of yogurt, ginger, garlic, and a blend of Kashmiri spices. The vibrant colors and heady scents of the spices immediately transported me to the lush valleys and snow-capped mountains of the region. As the chicken marinated, I prepared the other components of the dish - finely chopped onions, tomatoes, and a special paste made from cashews and almonds.

Once the chicken had absorbed the flavors of the marinade, I heated some ghee in a large skillet and added the onions, allowing them to caramelize and release their sweet aroma. I then added the tomatoes and the nut paste, stirring constantly to create a luscious gravy. The kitchen was filled with the mouth-watering smells of cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, blending together in a symphony of flavors.

As I added the marinated chicken to the skillet, the sauce bubbled and thickened, coating each piece with a velvety layer of spice-infused goodness. I gently stirred the mixture, making sure that every ingredient was well incorporated and the flavors fully developed. The dish was starting to take shape, and I could hardly contain my excitement at the thought of tasting the final result.

After simmering the Kashmiri Chicken for a few more minutes, I sprinkled it with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice, adding a final burst of freshness and brightness to the dish. I couldn't resist taking a small taste, and my taste buds were immediately transported to a distant land of vibrant colors and bold flavors.

As I sat down to enjoy the fruits of my labor, I reflected on the journey that had brought me to this moment. Over the years, I had learned countless recipes from various places and people, each one adding a new layer of complexity and depth to my culinary repertoire. But this dish, with its unique blend of spices and aromas, held a special place in my heart.

I couldn't wait to share this recipe with my family and friends, to pass on the tradition of Kashmiri cooking and the rich cultural heritage that it represented. As I savored each bite of the fragrant chicken, I knew that this dish would become a beloved favorite in my kitchen, a testament to the power of food to connect us to distant lands and bring us closer together.