Nothing brings the flavors of the roadside dhabas right into your kitchen like a good dhaba-style chicken curry! Known for its bold, rustic flavors and rich spices, this style of chicken curry is easy to make at home with some simple ingredients. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create the authentic taste of a dhaba-style chicken curry right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
To make this flavorful chicken curry, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken Marination
- 500g Chicken (with bone or boneless, as you like)
- 1 cup Yogurt
- 1 tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tsp Red Chili Powder
- Salt (to taste)
For the Curry
- 3 tbsp Mustard Oil (Mama’s choice Mustard oil)
- 2 large Onions (finely chopped)
- 2 medium Tomatoes (pureed)
- 2-3 Green Chilies (slit)
- 1 tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 1-2 Bay Leaves
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
- 3-4 Cloves
- 2 Green Cardamoms
- 1 tsp Coriander Powder
- 1 tsp Cumin Powder
- 1 tsp Garam Masala
- 1 tsp Red Chili Powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Kasuri Methi (dried fenugreek leaves, crushed)
- Fresh Coriander Leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces, yogurt, ginger garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.
- Mix everything well, ensuring each piece of chicken is coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (for best flavor, let it marinate for 1-2 hours in the fridge).
Step 2: Prepare the Curry Base
- Heat mustard oil in a large pan or kadhai until it starts smoking lightly. This helps remove the raw smell of mustard oil.
- Lower the heat and add cumin seeds, bay leaves, cinnamon, cloves, and green cardamoms. Sauté for a few seconds until the spices release their aroma.
- Add the finely chopped onions and sauté on medium heat until they turn golden brown. This step is crucial for a rich, flavorful curry.
Step 3: Add the Ginger-Garlic Paste and Spices
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Now, add the coriander powder, cumin powder, and red chili powder. Stir well and cook the spices for a minute to enhance their flavors.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Cook the Masala
- Add the tomato puree to the pan and mix well. Cook until the oil starts separating from the masala, indicating that it’s well-cooked.
- Add the green chilies and mix them into the masala.
Step 5: Add Marinated Chicken
- Add the marinated chicken to the pan and stir well to coat it with the masala.
- Cook the chicken on medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and starts absorbing the flavors.
Step 6: Simmer the Curry
- Add water to the pan to adjust the curry’s consistency as per your preference. (For a thicker curry, add less water; for a thinner gravy, add a bit more.).
- Cover the pan and let the curry simmer on low heat for about 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked and tender.
Step 7: Add Finishing Touches
- Sprinkle garam masala and crushed kasuri methi into the curry and mix well. This gives the dish a classic, earthy dhaba flavor.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Dhaba Style Chicken Curry hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice. Enjoy the bold and rich flavors that will make you feel like you’re at a dhaba!
Tips for the Perfect Dhaba Style Chicken Curry
- Marinate for Longer: Marinating the chicken for at least an hour makes it tender and flavorful.
- Cook the Masala Well: Take your time cooking the onion, ginger-garlic paste, and spices. This step is key to getting that authentic taste.
- Adjust Spices to Your Taste: Dhaba food is known for its spice, but feel free to adjust the spice level according to your preference.
Try out this recipe and experience the magic of dhaba-style chicken curry! Let us know how it turned out in the comments.
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