Cooking the Chicken Karahi

Chicken Karahi, a popular Pakistani dish, is known for its rich and flavorful tomato-based gravy, aromatic spices, and tender chicken pieces. This dish is typically cooked in a special wok-like pan called a “karahi.” Here’s a delicious Chicken Karahi recipe for you to try at home:

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 500g boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste

For the Karahi:

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise
• 1 large onion, finely sliced
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish

Instructions:

Marinating the Chicken:

1. In a bowl, mix together yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt to create the marinade.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour in the refrigerator.

Cooking the Chicken Karahi:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large karahi or a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
3. Add sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent and start to brown.
4. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
5. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until they turn white and begin to brown slightly.
6. Add chopped tomatoes and green chilies. Cook until the tomatoes soften and release their juices. Stir occasionally.
7. Add red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and continue to cook until the oil starts to separate from the masala. This may take 10-15 minutes.
8. Sprinkle garam masala and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
9. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you want more heat, you can add more green chilies at this stage.
10. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and green chilies.
11. Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Karahi, a delightful Pakistani dish that’s bursting with flavors! Remember that you can adjust the spice levels to suit your taste, making it milder or spicier as you prefer.