Chicken Bhuna: A Thick and Flavorful Curry
Chicken Bhuna is a delicious and aromatic curry that originates from North India. It is characterized by its thick, reduced sauce that clings to the chicken pieces, offering a concentrated burst of flavor in every bite. The term “bhuna” refers to the method of cooking the spices and meat over high heat to develop a rich, intense flavor.
Chicken Bhuna Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken, cut into pieces
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 3 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 green chilies, sliced (optional)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Onions:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Ginger:
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the onions and sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the Tomatoes:
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they soften and break down, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Spices:
- Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, chili powder, garam masala, paprika, and salt. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly to toast the spices.
- Add the Chicken:
- Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook on high heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to brown the chicken.
- Add Yogurt:
- Lower the heat to medium and stir in the plain yogurt. Cook for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the yogurt to thicken and coat the chicken pieces.
- Reduce the Sauce:
- Continue to cook the chicken on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces and clings to the chicken pieces, about 10-15 minutes. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Finish:
- Stir in the chopped cilantro and lemon juice. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Serve:
- Garnish with additional cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice, naan, or roti.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Bhuna is best served with steamed basmati rice, naan, or roti. A side of cucumber raita or a green salad complements the rich, spicy flavors of the curry.
Conclusion
Chicken Bhuna is a thick, flavorful curry that showcases the traditional method of bhuna cooking, resulting in a rich and aromatic dish. Perfect for any occasion, this curry is sure to impress with its intense flavors and satisfying texture.