Spice up your dinner table: discover the easy steps to make mouthwatering dhaba-style chicken curry

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure with this exquisite recipe for Dhaba-Style Chicken Curry. This dish, inspired by the bustling dhabas of India’s highways, promises an explosion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Ingredients

• 1 kg boneless, skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 onions, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 cup thick coconut milk
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Mix well to ensure all the chicken pieces are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown and translucent.

Step 3: Add the Aromatics

Once the onions are browned, add the minced garlic and ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook over medium heat until the chicken is no longer pink and has browned on all sides. This should take about 10-12 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Coconut Milk

Once the chicken is cooked, pour in the thick coconut milk and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let the curry simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Step 6: Final Touches

Stir in the chopped cilantro and adjust the seasonings to your taste. You can add more turmeric powder for a richer color, or more red chili powder for a spicier curry.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Dhaba-Style Chicken Curry hot with your favorite accompaniments, such as steamed rice, naan bread, or parathas. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro for a fresh and aromatic touch.

Tips for Success

• For a richer flavor, use homemade coconut milk.
• If you don’t have coconut milk, you can use heavy cream or full-fat milk instead.
• You can adjust the amount of green chilies to suit your spice tolerance.
• If you don’t have a Dutch oven, you can use a large skillet or saucepan instead.
• Let the curry simmer for as long as possible to allow the flavors to develop fully.

Nutritional Information

One serving of Dhaba-Style Chicken Curry (approximately 200 grams) contains approximately:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15 grams
• Protein: 30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20 grams

Dhaba Curry: A Culinary Tradition

Dhaba-style curries are renowned for their bold flavors and generous portions. These roadside eateries serve up a variety of dishes, but the chicken curry is a staple that has won the hearts of locals and travelers alike.

Pairing Suggestions

Dhaba-Style Chicken Curry pairs perfectly with a variety of accompaniments:

• Steamed rice
• Naan bread
• Parathas
• Raita
• Papadum

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?

A: Yes, you can substitute the chicken with other meats such as lamb, beef, or pork.

Q: Can I make this curry ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the curry up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.

Q: What if I don’t have plain yogurt?

A: You can use sour cream or buttermilk as a substitute for plain yogurt.