Chicken Achari is a tasty dish from North India. It has a special blend of spices called achari masala. This includes seeds like fennel, cumin, mustard, and fenugreek. It also has dried red chilies. These spices give the dish a tangy and spicy flavor.
The chicken is marinated in the achari masala and yogurt. This makes it tender and full of flavor. The curry also has a creamy yogurt base. Tomatoes and onions are added for sweetness and depth.When you cook Chicken Achari, the smell of the spices fills the air. It makes your mouth water! The dish has a great balance of spicy, tangy, and rich flavors.
Making Chicken Achari takes some time and love. But it’s worth it! The flavors will remind you of the busy streets of North India. It’s a dish that will impress your family and friends.
You can make Chicken Achari for a special dinner or a regular weeknight meal. Either way, it will become a favorite. The combination of the achari masala, tender chicken, and creamy sauce is hard to resist.
So if you like North Indian food or want to try something new, give Chicken Achari a go! You’ll love the bold flavors and comforting warmth of this special curry.
Chicken Achari Recipe
Ingredients
For the Achari Masala:
- 1 tsp fennel seeds saunf
- 2 tsp cumin seeds jeera
- 1/2 tsp mustard seeds rai
- 1 tsp nigella seeds kalonji
- 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds methi dana
- 2-3 dried red chilies
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500 g chicken cut into pieces
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1/4 cup yogurt whisked
- 2 tbsp achari masala from above
For the Curry:
- 2 tbsp oil preferably mustard oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes pureed
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp achari masala from above
- Salt to taste
- 2-3 green chilies slit lengthwise (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Achari Masala
- In a dry pan, lightly roast the fennel seeds, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, nigella seeds, fenugreek seeds, and dried red chilies until fragrant.
- Allow the spices to cool, then grind them into a coarse powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Set aside.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, turmeric powder, ginger-garlic paste, yogurt, and 2 tbsp of the achari masala. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavors).
Step 3: Cook the Curry
- Heat oil in a pan or kadhai over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add the tomato puree, red chili powder, coriander powder, and the remaining 1 tsp of achari masala. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the marinated chicken along with the marinade and mix well.
- Add 1/2 cup of water and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
- If using green chilies, add them to the curry during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the lemon juice and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish the Chicken Achari with chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.
Tips and Information
- For a richer gravy, you can add a dollop of cream or butter towards the end of cooking.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chili powder and green chilies.
- For a thicker gravy, you can mash a few pieces of cooked chicken with a spoon or potato masher.
As you finish the last bite of this yummy Chicken Achari, you’ll be amazed by how flavorful it is. The mix of pickling spices and other ingredients works so well together. The chicken pieces are tender and cooked in a rich, creamy sauce made with yogurt. This dish shows just how great North Indian food can be.
When you make this dish at home, you can control how spicy and seasoned it is. This way, it’s just the way you like it. Making it yourself also gives you a feeling of pride and connection to the exciting food traditions of North India. As you cook, the smell of whole spices like fennel, cumin, and nigella will fill your kitchen. It will feel like you’re in a busy street in North India, where these flavors are loved and celebrated.
Chicken Achari is perfect as a main dish with naan or roti bread. It can also be part of a bigger meal with many dishes. Your family and friends will be impressed by how tasty it is. The tanginess from the yogurt, the richness of the sauce, and the warmth of the pickling spices create a dining experience you won’t forget.
So, dive into the flavors of North India and try making this Chicken Achari recipe. It’s a dish that celebrates how simple ingredients can make something delicious. It also shows how much fun it is to share a yummy meal with people you love. Enjoy!