6 Popular Indian Recipes - The Art of Indian Cooking:

yogurt

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: buttermilk

Greek yogurt adds protein while buttermilk is more economical.

chicken

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Tofu is plant-based and lower in calories, while thighs are more affordable.

garam masala

🥗Healthier: curry powder

💰Cheaper: mixed spices

Curry powder offers similar flavor at a lower cost.

smoked paprika

🥗Healthier: regular paprika

💰Cheaper: sweet paprika

Regular paprika provides color without the smoke flavor.

Remove any chicken skin if any, then using a sharp knife, cut 4 to 6 parallel diagonal slits into each chicken piece. Cut all the way to the bone. Season with salt.

In a mixing bowl, add the Greek yogurt, grated garlic, grated ginger, mustard, red chili powder, garam masala, vegetable oil, salt and one lemon or lime juice. Leave to marinate 6 hours or preferably overnight.

In a large frying pan on high heat, melt one tablespoon of butter and a little vegetable oil. Place the chicken pieces in the hot oil and cook until brown, turn down heat to low and cover with lid. After 15 minutes, remove lid and continue browning the other side, keep the lid off and cook another 10 to 15 minutes. Turn off heat.

(This step is optional but well worth the effort if you want that traditional smoky flavour.) Place a piece of charcoal (not briquette) directly on a high flame until it becomes red hot. Then place a small metal container in the middle of the pan with your chicken or simply shape one out of foil. Place the hot coal in the container, add a few drops of vegetable oil to smoke it up, and cover with a lid. Leave for ten minutes. After 10 minutes, remove container with charcoal, turn heat back on low and reheat the chicken. Using a pastry brush, coat chicken with a little cooking oil from the pan and any spicy residue left in the pan. Serve immediately.

For the optional salad, slice up the cucumber, tomato, red onion, and coriander. Make a dressing using freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice, a little garlic, salt and pepper.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens