Chicken Bhuna Masala, for those unacquainted, is a beloved Indian dish, well-known for its rich, robust flavors. The term ‘Bhuna’ refers to a cooking process where spices are fried gently to bring out their deep, complex flavors. The result is a dish so aromatic and flavorful, it’s impossible to resist.
The beauty of this dish lies in the perfect balance of ingredients and the technique used in its preparation. The chicken is marinated, then cooked in a thick, spicy masala.
Chicken Bhuna Masala has a unique, full-bodied taste, a result of the slow-cooking process. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the masala, resulting in a dish that is truly a festival of flavors.
Why I LOVE… This Recipe!
Chicken Bhuna Masala is my ultimate dish and I would love to tell you about it. It’s just so comforting and fulfilling in a way that nothing else is. To start with, the smell of this meal when it’s being cooked is heavenly. You know, like the spices giving you a warm hug? Then there’s the taste — oh my goodness! The tender chicken in that thick masala sauce alone can make fireworks explode in your mouth.
However, what makes Chicken Bhuna Masala addictive for me is its adaptability. You can eat it with rice, naan or even some crusty bread and people will always love it. On top of that, you can decide how spicy you want yours to be so that everyone’s catered for.
So if you’ve never tried Chicken Bhuna Masala before then what are waiting around for? Believe me once take your first bite; there will surely be no turning back just like happened with me too. It doesn’t get more comforting than this – trust me on that one!
The Tradition of Chicken Bhuna Masala
Chicken Bhuna Masala has always been part of our heritage since time immemorial especially within South Asian countries like India Pakistan Bangladesh . History dates back many centuries ago when traders would travel from one country to another sharing their cultures including food recipes among themselves thus resulting into development different types dishes over the years depending on what ingredients were locally available at that particular region during those ancient days .
It was during this period also when various cooking techniques were discovered by chefs who were serving kings and queens in palaces. For example, they realized that if you cook meat slowly over low heat then add some spice then it will be tender juicy delicious which led them coming up with idea called bhunna method.
The Taste of Chicken Bhuna Masala
It is an interesting thing that this dish has such a rich flavor profile. The chicken is soft and succulent having absorbed all the spices’ flavors used in its preparation. Additionally, its gravy or masala that is thick tangy with right amount of heat and sweetness.
The first bite will definitely mesmerize you! Because your mouth will be filled with different tastes at once; smoky aftertaste coming from bhuna technique applied during cooking process, hotness given by chilies used plus caramelized onions adding some mild sweetness thereby creating multiple layers of flavors in one forkful!
My Chicken Bhuna Masala: Image Gallery
Amita’s Notes on Chicken Bhuna Masala
Though this could be taken as one of those simple recipes where nothing much needs to be done except following few steps correctly there are always tips & tricks which can make all difference between an average meal and perfect outcome…..Marinate chicken(I am not doing any marination intentionally on my blog for faster turnover simplified process), You may not need water if marinating use lemon juice,salt,turmeric etc or simply let it sit without anything for 30 mins but I prefer marinating always….
- Slow cook: The secret behind great tasting bhuna masala lies in slow cooking because this allows for enough absorption period where meat soaks up all available flavors brought about by addition of spices mixed together well cooked till tender enough..
- Use fresh spices: Grounding your own from whole easily pounded seeds gives stronger tasting powder compared to ready made ones sitting shelves months thus losing essential oil content besides being bland overall when used sparingly …
- Adjust the heat: How hot curry turns out depends largely on how much chili powder was included during preparation stages hence you can decide to reduce or increase it whereas required…
Serving Suggestions with Chicken Bhuna Masala
Chicken bhuna masala is versatile enough pairing well with many accompaniments such as roti, naan breads rice … In fact its heavy nature makes me recommend serving alongside raita salad for complete meal but again you are free to make any other side dish of your choice be it potatoes etc just ensure there’s enough moisture content present since this dish tends drying up easily due to long simmering period …
This being so filling can act as good family dinner option especially during festive occasions where people need something satisfying yet not too heavy on stomach lining; likewise works great when entertaining guests because everyone knows that they will fall love instantly after tasting such rich blend flavors!
Always remember garnish fresh coriander leaves serve piping hot ideal experience while having…
Health Benefits of Chicken Bhuna Masala
In addition being absolutely tasty this particular chicken prepared also comes along numerous advantages towards our bodies. Proteins supplied by poultry meat are very necessary for body growth and repair activities among others.
Besides that most spices employed in making these dishes have got medicinal properties which help fight against various diseases. For instance turmeric contains anti inflammatory antioxidants cumin improves digestion while coriander lowers blood sugar levels garlic aids antioxidant production thus reducing inflammation within bodily organs caused by harmful free radicals…
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup Vegetable Oil I have used mustard oil in this recipe.
- 2 number Medium Bay leaves
- 1/2 Pod or 10 cloves of Crushed Garlic
- 1/2 Piece Crushed Ginger
- 3 Medium Chopped Onions
- 500 gm Chicken
- 1/2 tbsp Table Salt
- 1/8 tsp Hing Asafetida
- 1 pinch Cinnamon / Cassia Powder
- 1 Pinch Star Anise Powder
- 1 Pinch Mace Powder
- 1 tbsp Coriander Powder
- 1 tsp Crushed red chili Powder
- 1/2 tsp Chicken garam masala
- 1 tbsp Ghee
- 100 ml Water
- Chopped Green chilli Garnish
- Chopped coriander. Garnish
- Ginger julienne Garnish
Instructions
- Begin by washing and cleaning the chicken thoroughly. This ensures a fresh and delightful taste in every bite.
- Heat vegetable oil in a thick-bottomed cooking vessel. The thickness prevents burning, ensuring an even cook for the dish.
- Add bay leaves, crushed ginger, and garlic. Sauté this aromatic blend for a couple of minutes, letting the flavors meld.
- Introduce chopped onions.
- Sauté them slowly on medium heat until they become soft and translucent. This adds a rich texture and sweetness to the dish.
- Add chicken cubes or pieces to the vessel.
- Add salt
- And stir, allowing the chicken to sauté for approximately 5 minutes. This seals in the succulence of the meat.
- Generously sprinkle coriander powder, chili powder, hing, cardamom powder, star anise powder, and cinnamon powder on top of the chicken. Mix the masala well, cooking for another couple of minutes.
- Cover the pan and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Remove the lid and add Chicken Garam masala for aroma and depth of spices.
- Pour water into the mix and add chicken garam masala.
- Cover the dish again and let it simmer on low heat for 5 minutes. This ensures that the flavors infuse perfectly into the chicken.
- Uncover the dish, add ghee, and let it melt into the concoction. This step elevates the richness of the dish to new heights.
- Finally, garnish with chopped coriander leaves, green chili, and ginger juliennes. This adds a burst of freshness and visual appeal.
- Dish out this Fragrant Chicken Delight and savor it with your favorite bread, Paratha/Naan, or Roti. The result is a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds singing.
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