Murgh Malaaiwala (Chicken in Creamy Indian Gravy)

Punjab (A region in India and Pakistan), the name means the land of five (Punj ) and Ab (River). Needless to say a region of five rivers is immensely fertile and abundant in crop and dairy. It's therefore no coincidence that all Punjabis love their food and a majority of Indian restaurants serve the punjabi cuisine. Being on the famed silk route meant that Punjab became a melting pot of diverse culture and gastronomical treasures which were quickly adopted and amalgamated into the rich Punjabi cuisine. Alexander came in with Rajma (kidney beans) and now Rajma and chawal (rice) are the essential punjabi favorite. Partition bought along with it millions of refugees to different parts of the country with nothing other than the clothers they were wearing, the cuisine that they loved and an enterprising nature. The entire nation has since been swept under a culinary explosion of Punjabi food. Thousands of Dhabas (Roadside eateries) have exploded at every nook and corner of the country, giving the common folk a taste of punjabi food. It is not uncommon to have tandoori chicken fan following down south of the country.
Being a Punjabi myself, breakfast, lunch and dinner are not a mere break from the usual daily grind but a festival in itself. Though jokingly it is termed daal-roti, chicken, meat and other vegetarian food dishes are common thing on the table, sometimes all at once. When we were young (read small kids), my dad used to make this creamy chicken dish that was not too spicy and a great hit with us. The other day, deciding on a dish to make that my kids could eat without complaning of the spices, this one came to my mind and I immediately set about making this. It is not the last time, I think, that this has been made at my house (going by the reactions). Some culinary traditions never die.

Murgh Malaaiwala

Ingredients:
Chicken, cut into pieces - 500 gm
Onion paste - 1 Cup
Ginger Paste - 2 Tsp
Green Chillies, slit and deseeded - 2
Milk - 3 Cups
Cream - 1 Cup
Kasoori Methi - 2 Tsp
Black Pepper, freshly ground - 1 Tsp
Green Cardamom Powder - 2 Tsp
Clove Powder - 1/2 Tsp
Garam Masala Powder - 1 Tsp
Salt - To Taste

For Garnish
Almond Flakes - 2 Tsp
Coriander, finely chopped - 1 Tsp



Method:

1. Add the chicken pieces, onion paste, ginger paste, 2 cups milk, 1/2 cup cream,green chillies and a pinch of kasoori methi in a handi and bring to a boil on a medium flame, while stirring continously.
2. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring at regular intervals until the milk and cream have been absorbed and the chicken has been almost cooked.
3. Add in the remaining ingredients (1 cup Milk, 1/2 cup cream, clove powder, black pepper powder, cardamom powder, garam masala powder, remaining kasoori methi) and cook for 10 more minutes or till another boil.
4. Adjust seasonings.
5. Serve hot garnished with Almond flakes & chopped coriander.

Posted in: Chicken,Chicken recipe,North Indian Cuisine,Punjabi Cuisine