Lahori Chicken Karahi is a true culinary gem that hails from the vibrant city of Lahore, Pakistan. This dish is a testament to the rich and diverse flavors that define Punjabi cuisine, where spices are not just ingredients but an art form in themselves
.At the heart of this dish lies the perfect balance of aromatic spices, tangy tomatoes, and the richness of yogurt-marinated chicken. The combination of whole spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon creates a depth of flavor that is truly unmatched, while the addition of ginger-garlic paste adds a punch of warmth and pungency.
Making Lahori Chicken Karahi at home is a labor of love, but the end result is a dish that will transport you to the bustling streets of Lahore with every bite. The aroma of the simmering gravy, infused with the fragrance of spices, is enough to make your mouth water in anticipation.
Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur of Pakistani cuisine or a newcomer to its flavors, this Lahori Chicken Karahi recipe is sure to impress. Serve it as a centerpiece for a special occasion or as a comforting weeknight meal – either way, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Lahori Chicken Karahi
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 800 g chicken cut into 8 pieces
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/4 cup yogurt
For the Masala:
- 1/4 cup oil
- 1 black cardamom badi elaichi
- 4 green cardamoms hari elaichi
- 5 cloves laung
- 2 cinnamon sticks darchini
- 15 black peppercorns kali mirch
- 2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 large onion sliced
- 250 g tomatoes chopped
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- Salt to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 green chilies sliced
- 2 tbsp julienned ginger
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, red chili powder, garam masala, and yogurt. Mix well and set aside for 30 minutes to marinate.
Step 2: Prepare the Masala
- Heat oil in a karahi (wok) or a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
- Add the whole spices (black cardamom, green cardamoms, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and black peppercorns) and fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and sliced onions. Sauté until the onions are golden brown.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and the oil separates from the masala.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Add the marinated chicken pieces to the masala and mix well.
- Add 1/2 cup of water and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
- Once the chicken is cooked, adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with sliced green chilies, julienned ginger, and 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 savor the last bite of this delicious Lahori Chicken Karahi, you can’t help but marvel at the incredible depth of flavor that comes from such a harmonious blend of spices and ingredients. The tender chicken pieces, simmered in the rich, tomato-based gravy, are a true testament to the culinary prowess of Lahore’s street food culture.
Making this dish at home not only allows you to control the level of spice and seasoning to suit your preferences but also gives you a sense of accomplishment and connection to the vibrant culinary traditions of Pakistan. The aroma of whole spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen is sure to transport you to the bustling streets of Lahore, where these flavors are celebrated and cherished.
Whether you’re serving this Lahori Chicken Karahi as a main course with naan or roti, or as a part of a larger feast, it’s sure to impress and delight your family and friends. The perfect balance of tanginess from the yogurt, the richness of the gravy, and the warmth of the spices create a truly unforgettable dining experience.
So, embrace the flavors of Lahore and add this Lahori Chicken Karahi recipe to your repertoire. It’s a dish that celebrates the power of simple ingredients and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. Enjoy!