Chicken Handi is a tantalizingly aromatic Indian dish that has gained popularity worldwide for its rich, creamy texture and exciting blend of flavors. This savory curry, traditionally cooked in a ‘handi’ or clay pot, combines boneless chicken pieces with a host of spices, creating a dish that indulges your senses and leaves you craving for more.
What is Chicken Handi?
The term ‘handi’ refers to a deep, wide-mouthed cooking vessel used in Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi cuisines. Chicken Handi, thus, is a delightful curry traditionally prepared in this pot. It’s distinguished by its creamy, spicy, and aromatic gravy that beautifully complements the tender pieces of boneless chicken. The dish is perfect for dinner parties and weeknight meals alike, offering a restaurant-worthy experience at home.
Ingredients for Chicken Handi recipe
To create an exceptional Chicken Handi, you’ll need to gather some specific ingredients. These include:
- Boneless chicken breast or thigh
- Red onions
- Green chillies
- Ginger-garlic paste
- Tomatoes
- Tomato paste (optional)
- A variety of spices including coriander, red chilli, turmeric, cumin, and white pepper powders
- Yogurt and cream
- Cashews
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Preparing the Ingredients
Preparation is key in Indian cooking. Before you begin, ensure you properly prep your ingredients. Here’s how:
- Cut the boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Puree the onions and set them aside.
- Soak the cashews in water for about 30 minutes, then blend them with yogurt to form a smooth paste.
- Chop the tomatoes into small pieces, or puree them if you prefer a smoother gravy.
The Cooking Process
The secret to an excellent Chicken Handi lies in how you cook the masala or spice mixture. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Cooking the Onion-Garlic-Ginger Paste: Heat some oil in a wok or handi. Add the onion puree, ginger, and garlic, and cook until the mixture reduces and thickens.
- Adding the Chicken and Spices: Introduce the chicken pieces to the masala, along with all powdered spices and salt. Continue cooking until the oil separates from the masala.
- Incorporating the Tomato Paste and Yogurt-Cashew Paste: Add these along with some slit green chilies. Allow your chicken to simmer until thoroughly cooked.
Top Tips for Perfect Chicken Handi
To ensure your Chicken Handi turns out perfect, here are some top tips:
- Patience is Key: Take your time to cook the masala. A well-cooked masala will lose its raw smell and take on a shiny appearance. This is the secret to a great-tasting curry.
- Tender Chicken: Indian curries usually feature soft, tender chicken that melts in your mouth. Don’t rush the cooking process—let it simmer until the chicken is perfectly tender.
Authenticity of Chicken Handi
Traditionally, Chicken Handi is cooked in a clay pot over a slow fire. However, for practical reasons, you can also prepare it in a wok or karahi. Despite the change in cooking vessel, the dish retains its delightful flavors and remains authentic to its roots.
Optimizing Your Chicken Handi Ingredients
To maximize the flavors of your Handi Chicken, consider these tips:
- Use a yellow cooking onion for a more rounded flavor.
- Use Kashmiri Red Chili powder for its bright hue and mellow spice.
- Ensure your tomatoes are ripe for a rich, flavorful curry.
Making Chicken Handi Ahead
Handi Chicken recipe is a perfect make-ahead dish. You can prepare it 2-3 days in advance, and simply reheat it before serving. This makes it an excellent choice for dinner parties or busy weeknights.
Menu Ideas
For a delightful dinner spread, consider these menu ideas:
- Chicken Handi, Matar Pulao, Green Beans Sabzi, and Karahi Gosht
- Chicken Handi, Naan, Bhindi ki Sabzi, and Maash ki Daal
Chicken Handi
Ingredients
- 500g boneless chicken cut into cubes
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tomatoes finely chopped
- 1 Onion finely sliced
- 2 green chilies sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger grated
- 1 tbsp cumin seeds
- 1 tbsp coriander powder
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1/2 tbsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tbsp red chili powder
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 tbsp butter or ghee
- 1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves chopped
- Fresh ginger slices for garnish
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, marinate the chicken cubes with yogurt, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add sliced onions and cook until they turn golden brown.
- Add chopped tomatoes and green chilies. Cook until the tomatoes are softened.
- Now add the marinated chicken along with all the marinade. Cook until the chicken is tender and the yogurt mixture is well incorporated, stirring occasionally.
- Add coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt to taste. Mix well.
- Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Finally, add butter or ghee and chopped coriander leaves. Stir well.
- Garnish with fresh ginger slices before serving.
Notes
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
Final Thoughts
Chicken Handi is truly a celebration of Indian cuisine’s rich flavors and textures. This guide aims to help you prepare this delightful dish at home. Remember, patience is key when preparing Indian curries, and the rewards are absolutely worth it. Enjoy your culinary journey to India with this mouth-watering Handi Chicken!
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FAQ:
What to Serve with Chicken Handi
Chicken Handi pairs beautifully with warm naan or steamed basmati rice. You can also serve it alongside various vegetarian sides for a complete, balanced meal.
Is Chicken Handi the same as Butter Chicken?
While both dishes share similarities, they are distinctly different. Butter Chicken typically uses tandoori chicken and a sweeter, cream-based sauce. In contrast, Chicken Handi employs a blend of yogurt and cream in its gravy, resulting in a dish that’s spicy, creamy, and aromatic.
Is cashew paste necessary for the gravy?
Cashew paste adds creaminess to the gravy, but it’s optional. You can omit it if you prefer a lighter sauce.
