Ingredients:
- 500g chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 3-4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust according to spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with half of the ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cooking the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until it turns golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Sauté Onions:
- In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onions until they become golden brown.
- Add Spices:
- Add the remaining ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute. Add coriander powder, cumin powder, and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Tomato Puree:
- Add the pureed tomatoes to the pan and cook until the oil starts to separate from the masala.
- Reintroduce Chicken:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan, mixing it well with the masala.
- Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the chicken simmer in the masala for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Garam Masala and Garnish:
- Add garam masala and adjust salt and spice levels according to your taste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Finish:
- Once the chicken is cooked through, and the masala has thickened, garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve:
- Serve the Chicken Bhuna hot with naan, rice, or your favorite Indian bread.
Important Points:
- Marination Time: Allowing the chicken to marinate enhances the flavors. If possible, marinate for a longer period for more depth.
- Onions: Ensure the onions are well-cooked and golden brown. This step adds sweetness and richness to the dish.
- Tomato Puree: Cooking the pureed tomatoes until the oil separates ensures a well-cooked base with concentrated flavors.
- Simmering: Letting the chicken simmer in the masala helps it absorb the flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Garnish: Fresh coriander adds a burst of freshness. Don’t skip this step for a vibrant and aromatic finish.
Adjust the spice levels according to your preference, and enjoy this flavorful Chicken Bhuna!