Varhadi Chicken: The Ultimate Rural Typical Maharashtrian Food

Varhadi chicken is a spicy delight from Maharashtra, featuring rich, aromatic spices. This gem among Maharashtrian chicken recipes stands out with its bold flavours and traditional preparation. A must-try Maharashtrian chicken dish, you can now easily order chicken online to recreate this authentic culinary experience at home.

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes
Cooking Time: 45 Minutes
Total Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes

Ingredients

• 1 Packet Zorabian Pre-Cut Chicken Skinless (900 grams)
• 3 large Onions, finely chopped
• 2 Tomatoes, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons Ginger-garlic paste
• 4-5 Green chilies, slit
• 2 tablespoons Red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 2 tablespoons Coriander powder
• 1 tablespoon Cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon Garam masala
• 4 tablespoons Oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

To Make Varhadi Spice Powder or Paste

• 6-8 Dried red chilies,
• 2 tablespoons Coriander seeds,
• 1 tablespoon Cumin seeds,
• 1 tablespoon Fennel seeds,
• 1 teaspoon Black peppercorns,
• 4-5 Cloves,
• 1 inch Cinnamon stick,
• 1 cup Grated coconut,
• Bay leaf,
• Stone flower,
• 2 tablespoons Oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Varhadi Spice Powder: Dry roast the dried red chilies, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, bay leaf, fennel seeds, stone flower, black peppercorns, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Add grated coconut to the roasted spices and roast until golden brown. Grind into a powder or fine paste with a little water.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 4 tablespoons of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
3. Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, and cook for a few minutes.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and oil separates from the mixture.
5. Add the chicken pieces and mix well to coat with the spice mixture.
6. Add the prepared spice paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt. Cook until the spices are well blended.
7. Cook the chicken for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Add enough water to cover the chicken, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
9. Add garam masala and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
10. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with Bhakri, chapati, or steamed rice.

Enjoy your Varhadi chicken, a true delight among Maharashtrian chicken dishes!

Remember: Buy farm fresh chicken to get tender chicken and get the real authentic taste of Varhadi chicken.

In the rich tapestry of Maharashtrian cuisine, Varhadi Chicken shines as a culinary emblem of the Vidarbha region, renowned for its bold flavours and traditional cooking methods. This dish, deeply rooted in the rural culinary traditions of Maharashtra, offers a taste of the countryside with every spicy, flavorful bite. Varhadi Chicken isn’t just food; it’s a celebration of Maharashtrian heritage, a warm invitation to experience the authentic rustic flavours of the region. Here’s why this dish continues to capture the hearts of food lovers.

Authentic and Unpretentious

Varhadi Chicken is praised for its straightforward, no-frills approach to flavours. This dish is a quintessential example of Varhadi cuisine, known for its preference for robust, spicy, and very earthy flavours. It uses simple, locally sourced ingredients, including country chicken, which is typically tougher but more flavorful than its broiler counterparts. The chicken is cooked with a generous amount of homemade goda masala—a spice blend unique to the region—and other traditional spices like turmeric, red chilli powder, and coriander, which are all pivotal in creating its distinctive taste.

A Reflection of Rural Life

Varhadi Chicken embodies the lifestyle and culinary practices of rural Vidarbha. The dish is traditionally prepared in a thick-bottomed vessel, allowing it to cook slowly over a low flame, mirroring the unhurried pace of rural life. This slow-cooking process enhances the flavours and tenderizes the tougher country chicken, infusing it with rich spices and aromatics. The preparation method and ingredients used in Varhadi Chicken reflect a deep connection to the land and the seasonal rhythms of agricultural life.

Culinary Diversity

Maharashtra has diverse cultures and culinary techniques, and Varhadi Chicken showcases this variety. Unlike the coastal curries of the Konkan region or the mild, nut-based dishes of Pune, Varhadi Chicken is fiery and bold, highlighting the different palate preferences within the state. This diversity makes Maharashtrian cuisine rich and varied, offering something unique for everyone.

Community and Celebration

Varhadi Chicken is often cooked during festivals, weddings, and other celebrations, making it a dish that brings people together. Its preparation is considered an art in rural households, often involving the whole family. The cooking process itself becomes a communal activity that strengthens bonds and celebrates Maharashtrian culture. This communal aspect makes the dish more than just sustenance; it’s a part of the region’s social fabric.

In Short

Varhadi Chicken is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of rural Maharashtra. It offers a window into the soul of Vidarbha, with its bold flavours, traditional cooking methods, and the use of local ingredients that tell a story of the region’s agricultural abundance. For those who seek a genuine taste of Maharashtrian countryside cuisine, Varhadi Chicken provides a delicious, spicy, and deeply satisfying experience that goes beyond the palate, offering a taste of home, heritage, and community. Whether you are a native of the region or a culinary explorer, Varhadi Chicken is a dish that resonates with the spirit of rural Maharashtra, making it a beloved choice for anyone looking to experience the authentic flavours of this vibrant state.

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Discover the ultimate chicken experience with Zorabian Fresh Chicken, available both raw and in mouthwatering marinated options like Chicken Tikkas, alongside an enticing range of Ready-to-Cook Chicken Products. Please find us at your convenience: online through Big Basket, Zepto, Blinkit, or in-store at modern trade outlets such as Nature’s Basket or at our trusted general trade partner stores near you. Also, you can order chicken online via our website. Elevate your culinary adventures with friends and family, relishing your cherished chicken dishes. For an extra dash of inspiration, visit the Zorabian blog, where we share a collection of delectable chicken recipes that promise to delight your taste buds and enhance your cooking journey.