Chicken Nihari

Ingredients:

For the Spice Mix (Nihari Masala):

• 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
• 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
• 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
• 4-5 green cardamom pods
• 3-4 cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 black cardamom pod

For Chicken Nihari:

• 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
• 1/2 cup ghee or oil
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tablespoons wheat flour (optional for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons Nihari Masala (from the spice mix)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 6-8 cups water or chicken broth
• Fresh ginger, julienned (for garnish)
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• Sliced green chilies (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Cooking Steps:

For the Spice Mix (Nihari Masala):

Step 1: In a dry pan over low heat, roast coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, whole black peppercorns, green cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and black cardamom pod. Roast until fragrant but not burnt. Allow them to cool.

Step 2: Grind the roasted spices into a fine powder to create the Nihari Masala.

For Chicken Nihari:

Step 3: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat ghee or oil over medium heat.

Step 4: Add thinly sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.

Step 5: Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.

Step 6: Add chicken pieces to the pot, and brown them on all sides.

Step 7: Sprinkle the Nihari Masala, turmeric powder, and salt over the chicken. Mix well to coat the chicken in the spices.

Step 8: If using wheat flour for thickening, sprinkle it over the chicken and continue stirring to avoid lumps.

Step 9: Pour in water or chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged.

Step 10: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 2-3 hours or until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded.

Step 11: Garnish the Chicken Nihari with julienned fresh ginger, chopped coriander leaves, sliced green chilies, and lemon wedges.

Step 12: Serve the Chicken Nihari hot with naan or steamed rice.

Savor the essence of traditional South Asian cuisine with this flavorful and soul-warming Chicken Nihari. Perfect for special occasions or when you crave a comforting and hearty meal!