In the same vein as this red ketchup chicken, this Kashmiri chicken dish has become an extremely popular selection of food. There are several variations of this recipe because it has been tried and tested over the course of several decades. A few modifications have been made to the components, but the primary procedure has not changed.
Be sure not to overlook the part on variations.A small amount of gravy is offered alongside this chicken. The chicken is drizzled in sauce, and then it is devoured.
Kashmiri Spices.
You can use Kashmiri chili powder for this recipe, but the taste will depend on the quality and purity of the powder.
Chicken: I used thighs and chicken drumsticks in the pictorial. But you can use chicken leg and breast pieces or chicken cut into 8 pieces. In my experience, bone-in chicken works best.
Spices for Tempering: The main whole spices for tempering curry leaves make a great combo.
Yogurt: You can use less or more yogurt depending on the amount of gravy you want in the Kashmiri chicken.
Ingredients
The ingredients of Kashmiri chicken are simple and can be substituted easily.
Step 1:
- 2 kgs chicken thighs and drumsticks
- Vegetable
- 2 Medium purple onions
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
- 2 Bay leaves
- 5 Cardamom
- 5 Cloves
- Ketchup sauce
- Jalapenos
- 2 teaspoons of kashmiri pure chili powder
- Curry leaves
- Mint leaves
- Coriander(cilantro)
Method:
Heat oil in a large pan or pot. Add the whole spices and sauté. Add the chopped purple onion and sauté. Now add the marinated chicken, mix well, and allow it to cook. Allow the gravy to thicken and switch off the heat. I did not add any ground spices to the onion mix. All spices and salt are well incorporated into the chicken.
Here’s a basic guide on how to marinate chicken.
Ingredients for the marinade.
Step 2:
2 tbsp. Kashmiri pure chili powder
1 tbsp. garam masala
1 tbsp. coriander powder
1 tbsp. biryani mix
1/2 tsp. food coloring
1 cup yogurt
2 tbsp. ginger and garlic paste
Salt
Method :
Marinate the chicken well with the above ingredients and leave it in the refrigerator. Remove 1 hour before use.
Steps to follow:
- Choose your container:
- Use a glass or non-reactive container for marinating, such as a bowl, dish, or zip-top plastic bag. Avoid metal containers, as certain acids in the marinade can react with them.
- Prepare your protein:
- Trim any excess fat (removing skin is totally optional) and cut it into the desired size for even marinating. Ensure the protein is washed and left in a colander, or pat it dry with paper towels.
- Combine protein and marinade:
- Place your chicken in the container or dish and marinate. Ensure the protein is fully coated. If you’re using a zip-top bag, press out excess air before sealing.
- Incorporate the marinade well.
- If possible, turn the protein occasionally to ensure an even distribution of flavors. For a zip-top bag, massage the bag to distribute the marinade.
- Cook as desired.
- Cook your marinated protein according to your recipe.
Step 3:
In a pan, add the required amount of oil. Add the jalapenos and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Add washed and dried curry leaves and allow them to splatter.
Add the Kashmiri pure chili powder and cook on low heat. Lastly, add the ketchup sauce and stir well. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes and remove from the stove. This delish sauce is done!
Recommendations for presenting this delicious dish.
Serving the Kashmiri-marinated chicken with jalapeno sauce is an exciting part of the culinary experience, as it involves creating a visually appealing and well-balanced plate. Here are some suggestions for serving this delicious dish.
- Main Dish Presentation:
- Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on a platter or individual plates. Showcase the vibrant colors and enticing aroma of the dish.
- Garnish:
- Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or mint leaves over the chicken for a burst of freshness. You can also add a few saffron threads as a decorative touch. (optional)
- Jalapeno sauce drizzle:
- Generously drizzle the prepared jalapeno sauce over the chicken. Use a spoon to create artistic patterns, or simply cover the chicken for an extra flavor boost.
- Accompaniments:
- Consider serving the dish with traditional Kashmiri sides, such as steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread. The mild and fluffy texture of basmati rice complements the bold flavors of the chicken, while naan provides a delightful vessel for scooping up the sauce.
- Cucumber Raita or Yogurt Sauce:
- Balance the heat of the dish with a cooling cucumber raita or a simple yogurt sauce. You can prepare this by mixing yogurt with grated cucumber, mint, and salt.
- Family-Style or Individual Plates:
- Decide whether you want to serve the dish family-style, allowing everyone to help themselves, or plated individually for a more elegant presentation.
Remember, the goal is to create a harmonious dining experience where flavors, textures, and aesthetics come together. Enjoy your culinary creation and the delightful journey through the flavors of Kashmir!
Unique Taste: So the taste is sweet and spicy, but it is not like the sweetness of ketchup.
One-Pot Easy Recipe: It is an effortless 40-minute Kashmiri chicken recipe with no chopping. I have made and shared this recipe many times.
Tips:
Cashew version: Some people add soaked cashew to the paste to make it creamy. Skip the raisin if adding soaked cashew. Soak cashews overnight so they blend easily.
FAQS!
Can I substitute saffron with any other spice in the Kashmiri Marinated Chicken recipe?
While saffron adds a distinctive flavor and color to the dish, you can substitute it with a pinch of turmeric for color and a subtle earthy taste. However, keep in mind that saffron has a unique flavor, so the substitution might alter the dish’s traditional Kashmiri essence.
I’m not a fan of spicy food. Can I adjust the jalapeno sauce to make it milder?
Absolutely! Adjust the spice level in the jalapeno sauce by deseeding the jalapenos or reducing their quantity. You can also balance the heat with a touch of honey or sugar to mellow out the spiciness without compromising the overall flavor.
Can I marinate the chicken for an extended period to enhance the flavors?
Yes, marinating the chicken for an extended period, such as overnight, can intensify the flavors. However, be cautious not to marinate for too long, as the acid in the marinade can start to change the chicken’s texture. Aim for a marination time of 2–8 hours for optimal results.
I don’t have access to fresh jalapenos. Can I use pickled jalapenos for the sauce?
Certainly! Pickled jalapenos can be used as a substitute. Adjust the quantity based on your preference for spice and tanginess. Keep in mind that pickled jalapenos may have a slightly different flavor profile than fresh ones, so taste the sauce as you go to achieve the desired balance.
Can I grill the marinated chicken instead of cooking it?
Absolutely! Grilling adds a smoky dimension to the Kashmiri-marinated chicken. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken until it reaches a safe internal temperature (165°F or 74°C). Baste with the marinade throughout the grilling process for extra flavor.
What side dishes pair well with the Kashmiri-marinated chicken?
Traditional accompaniments like naan or steamed basmati rice work well. Additionally, consider serving it with a cooling raita or a crisp cucumber salad to complement the richness of the dish.
Simple and delicious! Please leave a comment.
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