Chicken (Tarkari) Masala

About the Recipe

Yields: 4–5 | Total time: 50–60 mins | Cooking time: 40–45 mins | Requires: Medium saucepan, frying pan

A comforting chicken stew infused with aromatic spices, tender chicken pieces, and optional crispy potatoes. Perfect with Jeera Rice, this dish balances mild and spicy flavors, enhanced by a hint of lemon and fresh herbs. 

Ingredients

• 500 gms Chicken Pieces

• 300 gms Tomatoes, chopped

• 300 gms Onions, chopped

• 1 tsp Haldi (Turmeric Powder)

• 2 tsp Red Chilli Powder (Mild)

• 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder (Spicy)

• 2 tsp Dhania Powder (Coriander Powder)

• 1 tsp Jeera (Cumin Seeds)

• 1 tsp Jeera Powder (Cumin Powder)

• 1 tbsp Ginger-Garlic-Green Chilli Paste

• 4–5 Green Elaichi (Cardamom)

• 2 Tej Patta (Bay Leaves)

• 1 Cinnamon Stick

• 3 tbsp Oil

• 2 Large Potatoes, chopped and fried (optional)

• Lemon Juice, to taste

• Salt, to taste

• Fresh Hara Dhania / Pudina, chopped

Method

1. Wash and drain the chicken thoroughly. Mix with ginger-garlic-green chilli paste, 1 tbsp oil, and salt. Set aside to marinate.

2. Heat 3 tbsp oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle.

3. Add chopped onions and sauté until light golden brown.

4. Add bay leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, haldi, red chilli powders (both), and jeera powder. Mix thoroughly and sauté for a minute.

5. Add chopped tomatoes, stir well, cover, and cook for 2 minutes.

6. Add marinated chicken to the pan and mix gently. Cook, stirring slowly, until the chicken is about 50% done.

7. Pour in 2–3 cups of water, scrape the sides of the pan, and stir to combine. Simmer, uncovered or half-covered, until the chicken is 90% cooked.

8. Stir in coriander powder, fried potatoes (if using), lemon juice, and adjust salt.

9. Garnish with freshly chopped hara dhania or pudina and serve hot with Jeera Rice.

Chef’s Note
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Adding fried potatoes gives the stew a richer texture, but it’s optional.

Caption

Tender chicken simmered in aromatic spices, finished with fresh herbs and a touch of lemon – a perfect pairing with Jeera Rice.