The Making of Chicken Masala...!!!

Chicken masala is a cherished dish in Indian cuisine, known for its rich, aromatic, and spicy flavors. This dish involves marinating chicken in a blend of spices and yogurt, then cooking it with onions, tomatoes, and a variety of spices to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. 

Ingredients

To make chicken masala, you will need the following ingredients:

1. Chicken: 1 kg (bone-in or boneless, cut into pieces)

2. Yogurt (Dahi): 1/2 cup

3. Onions: 2 large (finely chopped)

4. Tomatoes: 2 large (finely chopped)

5. Garlic: 4-5 cloves (minced)

6. Ginger: 1-inch piece (grated)

7. Green Chilies: 2-3 (slit)

8. Coriander Leaves (Cilantro): 1/4 cup (chopped)

Spices for Marinade:

1. Turmeric Powder (Haldi): 1/2 teaspoon

2. Red Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon

3. Garam Masala: 1 teaspoon

4. Cumin Powder (Jeera): 1 teaspoon

5. Coriander Powder (Dhania): 1 teaspoon

6. Salt: to taste

Spices for Cooking:

1. Oil or Ghee: 3-4 tablespoons

2. Bay Leaves: 2

3. Cinnamon Sticks (Dalchini): 1-2 small pieces

4. Cloves (Laung): 3-4

5. Green Cardamom Pods (Elaichi): 2-3

6. Black Cardamom Pod (Badi Elaichi): 1 (optional)

7. Cumin Seeds (Jeera): 1 teaspoon

8. Black Peppercorns (Kali Mirch): 5-6

9. Garam Masala: 1/2 teaspoon

10. Salt: to taste

Preparation

1. Marinating the Chicken:

   • In a large bowl, combine yogurt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well to form a marinade.

   • Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for better flavor absorption.

2. Cooking the Masala:

   • Heat oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.

   • Add bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, cloves, green cardamom pods, black cardamom pod (if using), cumin seeds, and black peppercorns. Sauté for a minute until the spices release their aroma.

   • Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

   • Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and slit green chilies. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the raw smell of garlic and ginger disappears.

   • Add the finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy. This forms the base of the masala.

   • Add a pinch of salt to help the tomatoes break down faster.

3. Adding the Chicken:

   • Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan, along with the marinade.

   • Mix well to coat the chicken with the masala base. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken starts to brown.

   • Add a splash of water if the masala starts to stick to the pan.

4. Simmering:

   • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the chicken simmer for 20-25 minutes until it is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

   • Check the seasoning and adjust salt and spices as needed.

   • Sprinkle garam masala over the chicken and mix well.

5. Garnishing:

   • Garnish the chicken masala with chopped coriander leaves.

Serving Suggestions

• Rice: Serve chicken masala with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice.

• Bread: Pair it with Indian bread such as naan, roti, or paratha.

• Side Dishes: Accompany the dish with raita (yogurt dip), salad, and pickles for a complete meal.

Tips for Making Chicken Masala

1. Marination:

   • Marinating the chicken for a longer time enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat.

2. Spice Adjustment:

   • Adjust the quantity of spices based on your heat preference. You can add more green chilies or red chili powder for extra spiciness.

3. Cooking Method:

   • Ensure the chicken is cooked on low heat during the simmering process to allow the flavors to meld together.

4. Consistency:

   • Adjust the consistency of the gravy by adding more or less water based on your preference.

Making chicken masala at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to create a flavorful and aromatic dish. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can craft your own chicken masala that will delight your taste buds and impress your family and friends. Enjoy the journey of exploring and savoring the rich flavors of homemade chicken masala.