Non-vegetarian●●●Origin GujaratPrep 30 minutes, plus marinating timeCook 40 minutes
A gentle, aromatic chicken dish slowly braised under a sealed lid with fresh aromatics, cream, and ghee. It produces tender meat coated in a rich, delicately spiced sauce.
Layering spice
2.3 gSprinkled over the chicken in the pot (step 3)
Place 450 g onion, 12 g ginger, 18 g garlic, 1 g coriander leaf, and 15 g mint into a blender, adding a splash of water if needed, and process into a smooth paste.
Pierce 1200 g chicken all over with a fork in a wide dish. Rub 15.3 g lime juice and half of the blended herb paste thoroughly over the meat. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
Transfer the marinated chicken in a single layer to a heavy-based pot. Spread the rest of the herb paste over the pieces, season with salt to taste, and sprinkle over the layering spice. Pour 250 g cream (lightly whipped) over the top and spoon 46.2 g ghee around the edges.
Fix the lid firmly onto the pot, sealing the rim with 150 g dough or foil to trap the steam. Cook over low heat for around 40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
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Chicken
Turkey thigh
Use 100% of the weight, cut into equivalent bone-in or boneless pieces. Simmer for an extra 5 to 10 minutes; flavour and texture are very similar.
Use 120% of the weight; melt gently over low heat to avoid burning the milk solids, which will yield a softer, creamier richness rather than a nutty aroma.
Use 80% of the weight, finely shredded and browned slowly with a pinch of asafoetida. Replicates the bulk and natural sweetness in gravies without allium.
Use 15% to 20% of the weight (about 1 g for every 5 to 6 g fresh cloves). Whisk into sauces; gives a savoury, toasted garlic flavour without raw pungency.
Use about 30% of the weight of fresh mint. Rub between your palms to crush before stirring in; the flavour will be more intensely herbal and less bright.