Chicken Akbari Recipe

Chicken Akbari Recipe

Chicken Akbari is a rich and aromatic Mughlai dish from India, named after the Mughal Emperor Akbar. It is known for its creamy texture and complex flavors, combining tender chicken pieces with a luxurious gravy made from cashews, cream, and aromatic spices. Here’s how you can prepare Chicken Akbari:

Taste and Experience:

Chicken Akbari delights with its creamy texture and rich, aromatic flavors. The cashew-based gravy provides a luxurious base that complements the tender chicken pieces perfectly. The blend of spices adds depth and complexity to the dish, while the cream enhances its richness. It’s a dish that embodies the opulent Mughlai cuisine and is perfect for special occasions or when you want to indulge in a flavorful treat.

Instruments Required:

1. **Skillet or Kadai**: For cooking the chicken and masala.

2. **Mixing Bowl**: For marinating the chicken.

3. **Knife and Cutting Board**: For chopping onions, tomatoes, and garnishes.

Ingredients:

– 500 grams Chicken, cut into pieces

– 2 Onions, finely chopped

– 2 Tomatoes, finely chopped

– 2 Green Chilies, slit lengthwise

– 2 tablespoons Ginger Garlic Paste

– 1/2 cup Fresh Cream

– 1/4 cup Cashew Nuts, soaked in water for 30 minutes

– 1/4 cup Grated Paneer (Indian cottage cheese)

– 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder

– 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric Powder

– 1 tablespoon Garam Masala Powder

– 1/2 teaspoon Cumin Seeds

– 3 tablespoons Ghee or Butter

– Salt to taste

– Chopped Coriander Leaves for garnish

Instructions:

Making the Cashew Paste:

1. In a blender, combine soaked cashew nuts and grated paneer. Blend until you get a smooth paste. If needed, add a little water to facilitate blending.

Marinating the Chicken:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ginger garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, and salt.

2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them evenly with the mixture.

3. Cover the bowl and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Cooking the Chicken Akbari:

1. Heat ghee or butter in a skillet or kadai over medium heat.

2. Add cumin seeds to the skillet and let them splutter.

3. Add chopped onions to the skillet and sauté until they turn golden brown.

4. Add ginger garlic paste and slit green chilies. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.

5. Add chopped tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they turn soft and mushy.

6. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Mix well with the masala.

7. Cook the chicken for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is cooked through and the masala thickens.

8. Add the cashew-paneer paste to the skillet and mix well with the chicken.

9. Cook for another 5 minutes until the flavors blend together and the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.

10. Adjust the seasoning if needed.

Serving:

1. Garnish the Chicken Akbari with chopped coriander leaves.

2. Serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.

3. Enjoy the rich and flavorful Chicken Akbari!

Serving Size:

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings of Chicken Akbari, depending on the portion size.

Cooking Time:

The total cooking time for Chicken Akbari is approximately 30-40 minutes, including marination and cooking. Adjust the cooking time based on the size of the chicken pieces and your desired consistency of the gravy.