Jharkhand Chicken

Jharkhand Chicken

Jharkhand Chicken

Country (desi) chicken cooked tribal-style over a wood fire — the bird is cut small, seared in mustard oil with whole spices and onion, then simmered in a tomato-ginger-garlic gravy until the meat is deeply flavoured and the gravy reduces to a dark, slightly dry coating. The wood fire lends a subtle smokiness that distinguishes it from any commercial kitchen chicken curry.

Cuisines

Jharkhand

Best for

Lunch Dinner

Recipe

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Total: 60 min 2-3 servings

Ingredients

500 grams chicken, cut into pieces
2 tablespoons mustard oil
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
2 bay leaves
2 green cardamom pods
1 cinnamon stick
2 cloves
2 onions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
2 green chilies, slit
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
2 tablespoons curd (yogurt)
1 cup water
— salt to taste
2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1 Heat mustard oil in a pan until it starts to smoke slightly, then reduce the heat.
  2. 2 Add cumin seeds, bay leaves, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
  3. 3 Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
  4. 4 Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, cooking for another minute.
  5. 5 Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides.
  6. 6 Mix in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
  7. 7 Add the curd and mix well, cooking for another 2 minutes.
  8. 8 Pour in the water, cover, and let the chicken simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
  9. 9 Sprinkle garam masala and chopped coriander leaves. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes.
  10. 10 Serve hot with rice or roti.

Tips

For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken with yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking.