iChef: Pepper Chicken

Another one of our favorite chicken curry that I prepare on special occasions or when there are guests is a pepper chicken curry which is a simple, straight forward recipe with all the basic ingredients that go into making a normal chicken curry and yet tastes quite different from the routine simple chicken curry flavor. The spice and flavor for this gravy comes from the freshly ground pepper that we use in all the steps of making this tasty dish. It is very tasty when made really dry as all the gravy and masala gets fully absorbed into the chicken giving it a juicy and unique flavor.The most common variety of pepper chicken is dry and somewhat dark brown to black in color and requires deep frying of the chicken pieces. But as I follow a healthy approach in cooking , I avoided the deep fry part and hence the lighter color. But there is no compromise in the taste and its yummy.

Serves four

INGREDIENTS:

Cut and cleaned boneless chicken pieces- 10 nos.
Red chilly powder- 1 tablespoon
Turmeric powder- 1 tablespoon
Coriander powder- 2 tablespoons
Salt as needed
2 medium onions- finely chopped
3 medium tomatoes- finely chopped
2 inch piece ginger- finely chopped
4 garlic pods- finely chopped
Mint leaves and coriander leaves- 1 cup
Fresh ground pepper- 3 tablespoons
Spices- 3 cloves, 2 small cinnamon pieces
Garam masala powder- 1 tablespoon

How to Prepare:

Step 1: Marinate the chicken pieces with Salt ,turmeric powder ,Red chilly powder ,pepper powder and coriander powder and keep for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 2: Grind the finely chopped onions, ginger, garlic ,ground pepper , mint leaves and coriander leaves to a smooth paste. Mix it with the chicken pieces that are marinated.

Blend the chopped tomatoes to make tomato puree. These are the two main masalas for the gravy.

Step 3: In a kadai , heat one tablespoon oil and cook the marinated chicken pieces with the smooth paste of onions ,ginger ,garlic ,mint and coriander leaves. Cook covered for 20 minutes or till the gravy is thickened and the chicken pieces are dry. Switch off the flame.

Step 4: In a flat pan, heat one tablespoon butter, add the spices .Add freshly ground pepper and saute till it gives a nice aroma. Add the tomato puree and cook well till oil starts leaving the sides and the puree is thickened.