Mughal Majesty on a Plate: Chicken Changezi

Embark on a culinary journey with our Chicken Changezi, a royal delight that hails from the bustling streets of Old Delhi. This exquisite dish is a symphony of rich flavors and creamy textures, featuring tender chicken pieces marinated in a blend of traditional spices, fried to golden perfection, and simmered in a luxuriously smooth tomato and cashew sauce. Infused with a hint of lime and enriched with a final swirl of cream and ghee, this recipe brings the opulence of Mughal kitchens right to your dining table. Perfect for a festive occasion or a lavish weekend meal, Chicken Changezi is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and elegant presentation.

A delicious serving of spicy, rich mutton curry paired with flaky, golden parathas, garnished with fresh onion rings, lemon wedges, and coriander.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg chicken, cut into small pieces

• ¾ tsp salt

• ½ tsp turmeric powder

• ½ tsp red chili powder

• ½ tsp pepper

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 1 tbsp cooking oil (plus extra for frying)

• 1 tsp ginger paste

• 1 tsp garlic paste

• 1 tbsp maida (all-purpose flour)

For the sauce:

• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced (about 1½ cups)

• 12-14 cashews

• 2 small tomatoes, cubed

• 1½ tsp garlic paste

• 1½ tsp ginger paste

• ½ tsp turmeric powder

• 1 tsp kashmiri red chili powder

• 1½ tsp coriander powder

• 1 tsp garam masala (plus ½ tsp for finishing)

• 3 tbsp plain yogurt

• ¼ tsp sugar

• 1¾ cups hot water

• Salt, to taste

• 1 tsp chaat masala

• 1 tsp dry fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)

• ¼ cup milk or cream

• 1 tbsp ghee

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

   • In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with salt, turmeric, red chili powder, pepper, lime juice, cooking oil, ginger paste, and garlic paste. Mix thoroughly.

   • Sprinkle maida over the chicken and coat evenly.

2. Fry the Chicken:

   • Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden. This prevents them from releasing moisture and sticking together. Set aside fried chicken on a plate.

3. Prepare the Sauce:

   • In the same pan, add a splash more oil if needed. Cook sliced onions until golden brown.

   • Add cashews and fry for a minute or two. Then add tomatoes and cook until soft.

   • Remove from heat, peel the tomatoes, and transfer the onion-tomato mixture to a blender. Blend until smooth.

4. Cook the Masala:

   • In the same pan, add a bit more oil. Sauté 1½ tsp each of garlic and ginger paste until aromatic.

   • Add ½ tsp each of turmeric and red chili powder, along with 1 tsp of kashmiri red chili. Cook until oil begins to separate.

   • Pour the blended onion-tomato mixture back into the pan. Use a bit of water to rinse the blender and add it to the pan.

   • Stir in coriander powder, 1 tsp garam masala, and cook for a few minutes.

5. Simmer the Chicken:

   • Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce along with yogurt, sugar, and salt to taste. Mix well.

   • Pour in hot water, cover, and simmer on medium-low heat for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Final Touches:

   • Once the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened, stir in chaat masala, kasuri methi, milk or cream, ghee, and the remaining ½ tsp of garam masala. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.

7. Serve:

   • Serve your delicious Chicken Changezi hot with roti, paratha, or steamed rice. Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy texture.

   
   

This Chicken Changezi is not just tasty but also embodies the rich culinary traditions of Indian cuisine, perfect for any occasion!