Savour the Heat: Authentic Khandeshi Chicken Recipe

Khandeshi chicken, a gem among Maharashtrian dishes, is celebrated for its bold spices and unique flavour. This dish stands out in Maharashtrian chicken recipes due to its blend of aromatic herbs and rich gravy. Perfect for spice lovers, it exemplifies the culinary depth of Maharashtrian chicken dishes, offering a taste that’s both traditional and unforgettable.

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes
Cooking Time: 40 Minutes
Total Time: 1 Hour

Ingredients

• – 1 Packet Pre-Cut Chicken Skinless (900 grams)
• – 2 Big Onions (1 roughly chopped, 1 sliced)
• – 4 tbsp Ginger-garlic paste
• – 3 tbsp Dry grated coconut
• – 3 tbsp Bajra flour or dry rice grains
• – 2 Whole black cardamom
• – 5-6 Cloves
• – 5-6 Black peppercorns
• – 2-3 Star anise
• – 2 Bay leaves
• – 2-inch Cinnamon stick
• – Red chili powder to taste
• – 1 tsp Turmeric powder
• – 1 tbsp Coriander powder
• – 1 tbsp Garam masala
• – ½ tbsp Salt or to taste
• – 7 tbsp Oil

Cooking Instructions

1. – In a pressure cooker, toss chicken with roughly chopped onion, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, salt, and 1 tablespoon of oil. Saute the mixture and seal the lid.
2. – While the chicken simmers, dry roast the whole spices for the masala. Roast rice grains or bajra flour in another pan.
3. – Grind the roasted spices (whole spices, rice/bajra flour, roasted onions, coconut) along with ginger and garlic into a fine paste.
4. – Heat 5 tablespoons of oil in a pan, add bay leaves and red chili powder (directly for a smoky touch). Add some water to prevent burning.
5. – Add the ground paste and cook until oil separates.
6. – Shred the boiled chicken and add it to the gravy. Garnish with some coriander and serve with rice.

Here’s a closer look at why Khandeshi Chicken is a cherished dish among connoisseurs of authentic Indian cuisine.

Rich and Robust Flavor

The essence of Khandeshi Chicken lies in its potent spice mix, which includes whole black cardamom, cloves, black peppercorns, star anise, bay leaves, and cinnamon. These are dry roasted to release their aromatic oils and then ground into a fine masala that forms the backbone of this dish. The addition of dry roasted coconut and bajra flour or rice grains thickens the masala and adds a subtle nuttiness, enhancing the overall depth of the curry.

Unique Cooking Process

The cooking process of Khandeshi Chicken is as unique as its ingredients. The chicken is first sautéed with onions, ginger-garlic paste, and turmeric in a pressure cooker, which not only speeds up the cooking time but also ensures that the flavours penetrate deep into the meat. The use of a fine paste made from roasted spices and grains, combined with a smoky touch of red chilli powder sautéed in hot oil, introduces layers of flavour that are both intense and delightful.

A Celebration of Local Ingredients

Khandeshi Chicken is a celebration of local ingredients and traditional cooking methods. The use of bajra (pearl millet) flour or rice grains as a thickener is a testament to the agricultural practices of the Khandesh region, which is known for its millet and rice production. This not only adds a regional touch to the dish but also highlights the importance of using locally sourced, fresh ingredients for the best flavours.

Nutritional Value

Aside from its tantalizing flavours, Khandeshi Chicken is also appreciated for its nutritional benefits. The chicken itself is a great source of lean protein, while the spices used are known for their various health properties, including anti-inflammatory effects and metabolism-boosting qualities. This makes Khandeshi Chicken not just a tasty meal, but also a healthy choice for those looking to enjoy a balanced diet.

Versatility in Serving

Khandeshi Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in multiple ways, making it suitable for any meal. It pairs beautifully with plain rice, which helps balance the intensity of the spices, or with rotis for a more filling meal. The rich gravy can also be enjoyed with bread, making it a perfect dish to serve at gatherings and special occasions.

Khandeshi Chicken is more than just a meal

Yes, you read it right! Khandeshi Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It offers a taste of the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra and provides a culinary adventure that is as exciting as it is satisfying. For those looking to explore the flavours of India beyond the usual offerings, Khandeshi Chicken provides a spicy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying journey into the heart of Maharashtrian cuisine. Whether you are a seasoned spice lover or new to Indian flavours, Khandeshi Chicken is a dish that promises to captivate your palate and leave you craving more.

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