What's Special About Bihari-Style Spicy Masala Chicken
When it comes to chicken preparations, Bihar is renowned for its rustic and spicy variations that utilize whole spices. The chicken pieces are often cooked in their own moisture, making the dish exceptionally delicious. Bihari-Style Spicy Masala Chicken is one such preparation where ingredients like tomatoes are omitted, yet the final dish is aromatic and irresistible. It can be prepared in just 20 minutes and pairs well with both rice and chapati. For best results, use medium-sized country chicken. Here's the simple recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 kg chicken, cut into medium pieces
- 2 pods cardamom
- 1 pod black cardamom
- 2-inch cinnamon stick
- 5-6 cloves
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp asafoetida
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp black pepper powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 pinch sugar
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1 tsp green chilli paste
- 1/2 kg onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup mustard oil
- 1/2 cup ghee
- 1 tsp chicken masala
- 1 tsp ghee (extra)
- For marination: 1 tbsp curd, 2 tbsp mustard oil, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp turmeric
Step 1
Wash the chicken thoroughly under running water.
Step 2
Add the chicken pieces to a bowl along with curd, mustard oil, salt, and turmeric. Allow it to marinate for 3-4 hours.
Step 3
Heat oil and ghee in a kadhai. Once hot, add whole garam masalas (cardamom, black cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper), cumin seeds, and asafoetida.
Step 4
Add sliced onions, salt, and turmeric. Cook until onions turn pink. Then add ginger-garlic paste, green chilli paste, and sugar. Cook for another 5 minutes.
Step 5
Add the marinated chicken and mix well. Cover and cook on high flame for 5 minutes. Mix again and cook on low flame for 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is soft. At this stage, the chicken may look white and uncooked, but it will soon become delicious.
Step 6
Once the chicken turns tender, add the powdered spices (cumin, turmeric, black pepper) except chicken masala. Mix well. Add a little extra ghee. Cook on low flame until the color changes to brown and the chicken starts releasing oil.
Step 7
Add 1 cup of water and chicken masala. Allow it to simmer for 5 minutes. Your Bihari-Style Spicy Masala Chicken is ready. Enjoy with steamed rice and raw onion on the side.
