Karahi Chicken

In India and Pakistan some of the dishes are cooked and served in a  ‘karahi’ (also spelled karai, kadai, kadahi or kadhai). For those who do not know a  karahi is a circular, deep, bowled dish and is similar in shape to a wok.It is usually made of cast iron but stainless steel, copper and non-stick versions are also available.

Karahi chicken is a popular dish all across Pakistan . Whether you dine in an upscale fancy restaurant or visit a road side vendor, this chicken dish is always on the menu.Karahi chicken is the only dish ( I know of ) that has countless versions .Basically it’s a tomato based clingy gravy dish but it is cooked in a number of ways with slightly different taste according to the ingredients added other than tomatoes.

I am sharing my version of karahi chicken that is easy , quick , robust , tangy  and off course spicy .With its exotic aromas of fresh ginger,freshly ground whole black pepper , red chilies , coriander and bountiful of tomatoes …this is one dish sure to tingle your taste buds !!

What you need :

• Chicken : 12oo gms ( skinned ,cut and washed )
• Onion : 2 – 3 ( medium , finely chopped )
• GG paste : 1 tbsp
• Tomatoes : 500 gms ( chopped )
• Turmeric : 1/2 tsp
• Chili powder : 1/2 tsp ( up to your tolerance level )
• salt : 1.5 tsp ( up to taste)
• Garam Masala : 1/2 tsp
• Oil : 1/2 cup

Karahi Masala :

• Whole Coriander : 2 tbsp
• Whole Black pepper : 3/4 tbsp
• Dried Red chili : 6-7 
• Whole Cumin : 3/4 tbsp

Crush or pound all the ingredients using mortal / pastel .

Garnish :

• Ginger : 1 inch piece ( chopped finely )
• Fresh coriander : 2 tbsp ( chopped)

How To :

1. Heat oil in a wide pan . Add onions and fry till they are lightly browned.
2. Add in the GG paste and fry a little .
3. Throw in the chicken and fry till its no longer pink .
4. Add in salt , turmeric , chili and garam masala , stir and cook for 2 minutes .
5. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook (stirring in-between|) till most of the water ( tomato water ) dries out and the oil starts to ooze out a bit.
6. Now add in your karahi masala , mix in and adjust seasoning .
7. Reduce flame to very low , cover the pot and let gently simmer for about 10 minutes .
8. Karahi chicken is ready . Garnish with Ginger and coriander.
9. Serve with naan , chapati or boiled rice .

Note :

• Instead of chicken you can use boiled mutton/lamb .
• Vegans can try this with paneer(cottage cheese)/tofu/gobi(cauliflower).