Bunjal Chicken: A Flavorful and Spicy Delight

Bunjal Chicken, also known as Bhuna Chicken, is a classic dish in Caribbean and Indian cuisine. It features chicken cooked with aromatic spices until the sauce thickens and coats the meat. This recipe brings out the rich, bold flavors of the spices, making it a perfect dish for spice lovers.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in and skinless
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 green chilies, sliced (optional for extra heat)
• Juice of 1 lime

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Clean and cut the chicken thighs into medium-sized pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
   • In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with half of the garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, paprika, chili powder, and salt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.
3. Cook the Onions:
   • In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
4. Add Garlic and Ginger:
   • Add the remaining garlic and ginger to the onions and sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Cook the Tomatoes:
   • Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they soften and break down, about 5 minutes.
6. Add the Chicken:
   • Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan. Cook on high heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to brown the chicken.
7. Simmer:
   • Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pan. Let the chicken simmer for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
8. Finish:
   • Stir in the chopped cilantro and green chilies (if using). Adjust the seasoning with salt and lime juice. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
9. Serve:
   • Garnish with additional cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or naan.

Serving Suggestions:

Bunjal Chicken pairs perfectly with steamed basmati rice, naan, or roti. Add a side of cucumber raita or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

Conclusion:

Enjoy the rich and bold flavors of Bunjal Chicken, a dish that brings warmth and spice to your table. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, offering a taste of Caribbean and Indian cuisine that will delight your taste buds.