Afghani Chicken Korma

Afghani Chicken Korma

Afghani Chicken Korma

I am a big fan of Cookery Shows and one of my all time favorite is “Food Safari”  hosted by Maeve O’ Meara. I picked up this dish from their episode on Afghani food. I was really keen to try this dish as it seemed very simple and used very simple and fresh spices and contained unusual ingredients like apricots. I am pleased to say that I was not disappointed and am happy to share this recipe 🙂 …. Happy Cooking !

Prep Time : 4 hrs ( for soaking the chana dal)                                      Cook Time : 30-40 mins

Serves : 4-6

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1.5 kg chicken cut into medium size pieces
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon Garlic Paste
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger Paste
  • 1 Big Onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup Yogurt (Dahi)
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric (Haldi)
  • 1/2 cup Split Chick Pea ( Chana Dal) soaked for 3 hours in water
  • 8-10 dried plums, soaked in water for an hour
  • 2 Medium size tomatoes, diced
  • 3 Long Green Chillies , sliced
  • 3 Fresh Red Chillies, sliced
  • Salt to taste

For Garnishing :

  • sliced onion rings, green coriander, green chillies and lemon wedges
METHOD
  • Heat oil in a pan and add the chicken pieces. Cook the chicken pieces for 5-6 mins till they are golden brown on all side.  Remove the chicken pieces from the pan and keep it aside.
  • Add the ginger and garlic to the pan and stir fry for 2 mins. Then add the finely chopped onions and fry till golden brown for 5 mins.
  • Reduce the heat and then add the yogurt and turmeric powder.Mix well and then add the chicken pieces and coat all the pieces evenly. Cover and cook for 5 mins more.
  • Next add the soaked chana dal ,apricots, salt and 1 cup of water, cook for 2-3 mins. Then add the chopped tomatoes and chopped chillies and cook till the dal becomes tender ( to make the dish faster, pressure cook the chana dal with water for 10 mins and then add it to the chicken). You may need to add some more water if the dal takes more time to cook.
  • To serve, garnish with onion rings, lemon wedges, green chillies and green coriander . I made some home made Naan and served it with the korma. Tasted delicious. Hope you will try it too !
Afghani Chicken Korma