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Authentic Chicken Korma Recipe - A Mild-Spiced Mughlai Delight

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    ChefPandas
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🍲 About This Dish

Chicken Korma is a classic Indian dish with roots in Mughlai cuisine, known for its rich, creamy texture and delicate flavors. Originating in the royal kitchens of the Mughal Empire, this dish reflects the opulence and sophistication of Mughlai cuisine, which has greatly influenced Indian culinary traditions.

🌶️ Ingredients Overview

  • Chicken (Murgh)
  • Yogurt (Dahi)
  • Ghee (Clarified Butter)
  • Onions (Pyaaz)
  • Garlic (Lehsun)
  • Ginger (Adrak)
  • Almonds (Badam)
  • Cashew Nuts (Kaju)
  • Saffron (Kesar)

✨ What Makes It Special

Chicken Korma has various regional variations across India, each adding its unique touch to the dish. While the Mughlai version is creamy and rich, the Hyderabadi variant tends to be spicier with the addition of green chilies and mint. In Kashmir, Korma is made with a yogurt base and seasoned with traditional Kashmiri spices like fennel and dry ginger.

📝 Ingredients

  • 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 2 onions, finely sliced
  • 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-inch ginger, grated
  • 10-12 almonds, blanched and peeled
  • 10-12 cashew nuts
  • A pinch of saffron strands
  • Ghee for cooking
  • Salt to taste

🥄 Spice Blend (Masala)

To make the spice blend:

  1. Dry roast and grind 1 tbsp coriander seeds, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1-inch cinnamon stick, 4-5 green cardamom pods, 4-5 cloves, and a pinch of black peppercorns.
  2. Add this spice blend along with 1 tsp turmeric powder and 1 tsp red chili powder to the chicken marinade.

👨‍🍳 Preparation Method

  1. Marinate the chicken pieces in yogurt, the prepared spice blend, and salt for at least 1 hour.
  2. In a pan, heat ghee and sauté onions until golden brown. Add garlic and ginger, and cook until fragrant.
  3. Add the marinated chicken along with the almonds and cashew nuts. Cook until the chicken is tender.
  4. Add a pinch of saffron soaked in warm milk for a luxurious aroma.
  5. Adjust the seasoning and consistency as desired.
  6. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

⏰ Timing Guide

  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Chicken Korma is traditionally served with fragrant basmati rice or Indian bread like naan or roti. Accompany it with a cooling side of cucumber raita and a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

💭 Chef's Notes

  • To achieve an authentic taste, use ghee for cooking and whole spices for tempering.
  • Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by varying the amount of red chili powder.
  • For a richer texture, you can add a dollop of fresh cream towards the end of cooking.

📦 Storage

Store any leftover Chicken Korma in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to maintain the dish's consistency.

Enjoy the royal flavors of Chicken Korma, a dish that embodies the grandeur and finesse of Mughlai cuisine!