When it comes to preparing something truly spectacular for a family gathering or a special dinner party, few dishes can match the rich and luxurious appeal of Shahi Makhmali Chicken. This recipe promises a dish that is not only delicious but also relatively quick and straightforward to prepare. With a creamy, silky gravy and tender, flavorful chicken, it is bound to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this culinary masterpiece, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 4–5 green cardamoms
- 3 medium-sized onions, freshly ground into a paste
- 1 kilogram of chicken
- 2 tablespoons of ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon of roasted, crushed cumin
- 2 teaspoons of crushed red chili or chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon of white pepper powder (or black pepper powder)
- 2 teaspoons of coriander powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup of well-beaten yogurt
- 1 cup of water
- 1/4 cup of fresh cream
- 1 teaspoon of crushed kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- 1 teaspoon of garam masala powder
For the Tadka (tempering):
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: The Initial Salute
Begin by heating the butter and oil together in a large pan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the green cardamoms. Allow them to release their aromatic fragrance into the butter. Next, incorporate the freshly ground onion paste. Keep stirring continuously over medium flame to prevent the onions from burning. Since it is a paste, the color won’t change dramatically, but aim for a light golden hue and watch for the butter to start separating from the onions.
Step 2: Cooking the Shahi Makhmali Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the pan and increase the flame to high. Stir the chicken continuously, ensuring each piece gets well-coated with the onion and butter mixture. Cook until the chicken turns white, indicating that it is partially cooked. This process should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Adding Aromatics and Spices
At this stage, add the ginger-garlic paste to the chicken. Continue to cook on high flame for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the raw smell of the ginger and garlic disappears. Now, it’s time to spice things up: add the roasted crushed cumin, crushed red chili, white pepper powder (or black pepper), coriander powder, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly and let the chicken absorb these flavors for another 3-4 minutes on high flame.
Step 4: Incorporating the Yogurt
Lower the flame and gently fold in the beaten yogurt. It is crucial to keep the flame low to prevent the yogurt from curdling. Stir until the yogurt is fully integrated into the chicken and spices, forming a smooth mixture. Once combined, increase the flame back to medium and cook the chicken for a few more minutes to ensure the yogurt is well blended and the chicken starts to cook through.
Step 5: Creating the Gravy
Add a cup of water to the pan, adjusting the consistency of the gravy to your preference. Shahi Makhmali Chicken typically has a thicker gravy, so a cup should suffice. Cover the pan with a lid and let the chicken simmer on medium to low flame for about 15 minutes. This slow cooking will allow the chicken to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Once the chicken is cooked through and the gravy has thickened, uncover the pan. Stir in the fresh cream, crushed kasuri methi, and garam masala powder. These final additions will enhance the creaminess and add depth to the flavor profile. Allow the gravy to cook for another 5 minutes on medium flame.
Step 7: The Tadka
In a small pan, heat a tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add a teaspoon of cumin seeds and let them splutter until they turn golden brown. Pour this tempering over the cooked chicken, stirring well to incorporate.
Serving Suggestions
Shahi Makhmali Chicken is best enjoyed with naan, roti, or a bowl of steamed basmati rice. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a drizzle of cream for an extra touch of elegance. This dish not only tastes divine but also looks like a piece of art on the plate, making it perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a royal meal with family.
Conclusion
Shahi Makhmali Chicken, with its rich, creamy gravy and tender chicken pieces, is a dish that exemplifies the grandeur of Indian cuisine. Despite its luxurious taste and appearance, it is surprisingly straightforward to make. The key is in the careful layering of flavors, from the initial sauté of onions and spices to the final creamy touch of yogurt and fresh cream. Give this recipe a try and bring a touch of royal dining to your table!