Punjabi Chicken Curry Scratch Recipe | How to Cook Authentic Indian Food by Anupy Singla

yogurt

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: buttermilk

Greek yogurt adds creaminess with lower calories.

cooking oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Olive oil is healthier, while vegetable oil is more affordable.

fresh cilantro

🥗Healthier: parsley

💰Cheaper: dried cilantro

Parsley offers a similar flavor, while dried cilantro is cheaper.

chicken

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Tofu is a plant-based option, while thighs are less expensive than breasts.

In a large bowl, add the yogurt, turmeric, red chile, black pepper, and salt; stir until combined. Add the chicken and stir again until all the pieces are evenly coated with the marinade. Cover and place in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 1 hour to overnight.

In a heavy medium-sized saute pan (about 4-quarts), heat 2 tablespoons of the oil or ghee (or a combination) until warm. Add the hing, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves, cardamom, cumin, and turmeric; stir and cook for about 40 seconds until the seeds sizzle. Add the onion; stir and cook for 3 minutes. Add the ginger and garlic; stir and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomato and tomato paste; stir and cook for 1 minute, breaking down the paste with the back of a spoon or spatula.

Carefully transfer the chicken pieces (not the extra marinade) to the pan in a single layer and cook for 1 minute before flipping and doing the same on the other side. Now add any remaining marinade, the garam masala, coriander, red chile, methi, salt, fresh chiles, and 1 cup of water.

Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook partially covered for 5 minutes until the curry starts to thicken. Add more water a ½ - 1 cup at a time, and continue to simmer. Cook boneless chicken for a total of 10 minutes and bone-in for a total of 45 minutes, including the initial 5 minutes cook time. When done, turn the heat off, add the 2 tablespoons of ghee if using, and completely cover the pan. Let it sit on the same burner for about 10 minutes.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: