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Chicken Patiala is that rich, creamy, and flavourous dish which defines the whole essence of Punjabi cuisine.
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Certain things make this dish so Pudding-like, such as the creamy texture with aromatic spices, which make it so warm and amusing.
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To prepare such a delicious dish first, marinate 500 gms of boneless chicken pieces in a bowl with 200 gms of yoghurt.
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The yoghurt not only tenderises the chicken but infuses flavours into it as well.
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Add ginger-garlic paste for one teaspoon, red chilli powder for heat that amounts to 1 teaspoon, turmeric for colour and warmth half a teaspoon, garam masala at one teaspoon, and salt to taste.
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Mix all these ingredients well so that the chicken coats evenly and sets for almost 30 minutes.
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This marinating will allow the spices to soak inside the flesh, making for a tasty and juicy meal.
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While the chicken is on the marinade, heat two tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat.
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Add to it one finely chopped onion.
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Keep on saut ing it until it turns golden brown, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
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This will add flavour to the dish. When the onions are nicely caramelised, add one teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 2 minutes till the raw aroma is gone.
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Then add two very finely chopped tomatoes to the pan, letting them cook down until they are soft and mushy- this is all-important in building the sauce.
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It adds acidity and sweetness balanced by the spices.
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Once tomatoes turn soft, add turmeric powder and salt according to taste.
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Let this mixture cook for 5 minutes so that all the spices are released and flavoured.
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Once the base is ready, time's set to add marinated chicken pieces into a pan.
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Stir well to coat the chicken with rich tomato-spice mixture and then cover and cook on medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, occasionally stirring to ensure it cooks evenly while the flavours from the spices and sauce permeate the chicken.
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Meanwhile, heat 1 Tbsp of oil and saut 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion in a separate pan. Saut until the onions turn golden brown. This adds a lovely sweetness to your dish.
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Once your onions are ready, add 1/2 cup cashew paste, mix it well, and cook for 2 minutes.
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Cashew paste does something magical to your dish-it adds a richness that makes it creamy and increases the overall texture of the dish.
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Lastly, add 1 cup of fresh cream and cook for another 2 minutes. It must be stirred so that the mixture gets properly thickened.
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This richly creamy sauce will add luxury to Chicken Patiala and its mouthfeel.
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Now, slowly pour this rich mixture into the pan containing the cooked chicken.
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Stir well so that everything gets mixed up together and the chicken absorbs the richness of the cream and cashew paste.
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Cook for 5-7 minutes further until the chicken is fully cooked and the gravy has thickened as desired.
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A sprinkling of freshly chopped coriander leaves around Chicken Patiala adds a splash of colour and freshness.
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Serve hot with naan or fragrant basmati rice to mop up the rich, creamy gravy.
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The recipe for the Chicken Patiala is a delectable fusion of spices, creaminess, and tender chicken. This dish will be remembered at every meal.
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Whether it is a special occasion or cosiness at family dinners, it'll surely be impressive and satisfying by capturing the warmth and richness of the best Indian culinary traditions.