White Chicken Karahi

Karahi literally refers to any dish cooked in a karahi/kadai/wok. It is mostly popular in Pakistan and North India Dhaba. There are different versions of Karahi chicken such as white, green(with coriander -mint paste) , spicy red with tomato etc. It is one of my favorite dishes to make at home as it is so easy, quick and incredibly tasty. It is best served with naan, roti or jeera rice.

Ingredients (Serves 3)

1. Chicken, bone-in – 1/2 kg, cut into medium-small pieces
2. Oil – 3 – 4 tbsp
3. Whole spices – Green cardamom – 3, cloves – 3, cinnamon stick – 1 inch, broken
4. Ginger-garlic paste – 1.5 tbsp
   Green chilies – 4, crushed in a mortar and pestle
5. Yoghurt – 1/2 cup, beaten
   Cumin seeds or powder – 1/2 – 3/4 tsp
   Coriander powder – 1.5 tsp
   Cashew powder or paste – 1 tbsp (optional)
   Black pepper powder – 1/2 tsp
6. Heavy cream / fresh cream – 3 – 4 tbsp
   Garam masala powder – 1/2 tsp
   Green chilies – 3, diagonally sliced
   Sugar – 1 pinch, to balance the flavors
   Kasoori methi – 1 – 2 pinches
7. Salt – To taste
8. Cilantro – 1 tbsp, chopped
   Ginger, juliened – 1/2 – 3/4 tsp
   Butter – 1 tsp, optional

Method

1. Heat 3 – 4 tbsp oil in a kadai over medium-high heat. Add whole spices numbered 3 and stir for a few seconds till fragrant. Add chicken pieces and cook for 6 – 8 minutes till their color changes and get lightly browned.
2. Add ginger-garlic paste, green chili paste and cook for 2 – 3 minutes till their raw smell leaves. Bring down the heat to medium-low. Add yoghurt, cumin seeds, coriander powder, cashew powder, pepper powder and salt. Mix well. Cook for a few minutes. Cover and cook for 15 minutes over medium-low heat till moisture is almost evaporated, oil separates and chicken is completely cooked through. Taste-check for salt. Add heavy cream, garam masala powder, diagonally sliced green chilies, a pinch of sugar and kasoori methi. Cook for 1 – 2 minutes over low heat and switch off. Sprinkle cilantro and sliced ginger. Serve immediately with naan, chapathi or jeera rice. It’s super yum..do give it a try.
   For smoky flavor – Place a small bowl inside the cooked chicken karahi. Heat a charcoal over flame for 4 – 5 minutes. Place it inside the steel bowl and pour a tsp of ghee over it. Immediately cover the pan with lid. Remove charcoal after one or two minutes. Serve immediately.