Chicken Jalfrezi is a delicious and popular Indian and Pakistani curry dish that features chicken cooked with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, all tossed in a flavorful, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. The dish is known for its bold flavors and vibrant colors, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. It’s a relatively quick dish to prepare and can be served with naan, roti, or rice.
Here’s a simple and flavorful Chicken Jalfrezi recipe:
Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500 grams chicken (boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
For the Jalfrezi Curry:
- 3 tablespoons oil (vegetable oil or ghee)
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional for color)
- 2 tomatoes, chopped (or 1/2 cup canned tomatoes)
- 2-3 green chilies, slit (optional, adjust to spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for extra umami flavor)
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 cup water or chicken stock (adjust as needed)
- Fresh cilantro (coriander), chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, lemon juice, and salt.
- Mix well and let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour (you can marinate it longer for more flavor).
2. Prepare the Jalfrezi Base:
- Heat 3 tablespoons of oil (or ghee) in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and let them splutter for a few seconds, releasing their flavor into the oil.
- Add the sliced onions to the pan and cook them until they turn golden brown (about 5-7 minutes). Stir occasionally to ensure they don’t burn.
3. Cook the Chicken:
- Add the marinated chicken to the pan and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken starts to brown and cook through. You don’t need to cook it all the way at this stage since the chicken will cook further with the vegetables and sauce.
4. Add the Vegetables:
- Add the green bell pepper (and red bell pepper, if using) to the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain some crunch.
- Add the green chilies, chopped tomatoes, and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tomatoes should soften and release their juices, forming the base of the curry sauce.
5. Add the Spices:
- Now, add the coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, and red chili powder. Stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly with the spices.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of water or chicken stock to help create the sauce. Stir everything together, and bring it to a simmer.
6. Simmer the Curry:
- Lower the heat and let the curry simmer for about 10-12 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through completely and the flavors to meld together. If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
7. Final Touches:
- Taste the curry and adjust the salt or spices if needed.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove the pan from the heat.
8. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro (coriander).
- Serve your Chicken Jalfrezi hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.
Tips for the Best Chicken Jalfrezi:
- Vegetable Variations: You can add other vegetables like carrots, peas, or cauliflower to this dish for added texture and flavor. Just be sure to cook them slightly before adding to the curry to maintain their crunch.
- Spicy Level: Adjust the green chilies and red chili powder to match your desired spice level. If you like it milder, reduce the amount of chili, or remove the seeds from the chilies.
- For a Smokier Flavor: If you like a smoky flavor, you can use the dhungar method by placing a small piece of burning charcoal in a bowl, drizzling a little ghee over it, and covering the pan for a few minutes to infuse the dish with smokiness.
- Soy Sauce: The addition of soy sauce is optional, but it adds a great depth of flavor and umami to the dish, balancing the tanginess of the tomatoes and the spice of the chilies.
- Cooking the Vegetables: Jalfrezi is known for its vibrant, crunchy vegetables. Don’t overcook them—ensure they are tender but still retain their texture.
Serving Suggestions:
- Roti or Naan: Serve with warm naan, tandoori roti, or paratha to scoop up the delicious curry sauce.
- Rice: Steamed basmati rice or jeera rice (cumin-flavored rice) pairs perfectly with the curry.
- Raita: A cooling cucumber raita or mint yogurt can help balance the heat from the curry.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Jalfrezi:
- Flavorful and Tangy: The combination of fresh vegetables, bold spices, and tangy tomatoes creates a deliciously complex and vibrant flavor profile.
- Quick and Easy: It’s a relatively simple dish to make, yet it delivers restaurant-quality taste.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level, add more vegetables, or even substitute the chicken with paneer or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Enjoy your Chicken Jalfrezi, a delicious and hearty curry that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal with family and friends!
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