Shahi Chicken Korma: A Royal Mughlai Delight
A royal meal from the Mughal court is evoked by the term Shahi Chicken Korma. An old Mughal dish, it has been served at monarchs' banquets for centuries. This recipe, which is still served at our dinner table today, is made with the ideal combination of spices, ghee, cream, and almonds.
The distinguishing feature of Shahi Chicken Korma is its rich, velvety sauce, which is made with a mixture of yogurt, cashews, cream, and aromatic spices.Whether it's a wedding, festival, or family gathering, this special dish brings color to every special occasion.
Making Shahi Chicken Korma in your kitchen requires a little patience and love. But the result will be phenomenal—a dish that will win the hearts of your family and guests. Today, we will learn how to make this traditional and popular recipe at home.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The Mughal Empire has a significant role in Shahi Chicken Korma's history. The 16th-century Mughal monarchs' royal kitchens are where the dish first appeared. Korma means slow-cooked beef and is derived from the Persian language. Shahi Korma is one example of how the richness of Mughal cuisine was a distinctive aspect of the time.
The Mughal rulers were not the only ones who like this meal; it was also served at royal feasts, festivals, and weddings. Local tastes changed as the Mughal culture expanded throughout India, and Shahi Chicken Korma gained popularity as well. Shahi Chicken Korma is a part of our culture and not just a meal anymore. It reminds us of the rich history and culture that have contributed to the Indian subcontinent's cuisine's international recognition.
Ingredients
A few unique ingredients are needed to make Shahi Chicken Korma, which gives it a royal flavor and scent. A list of each ingredient and its significance may be found below:
1.Chicken (1 kg) – The main ingredient of the korma, which combines with the spices to create a great taste.
2.Onions (2 medium, chopped) – Helps to add sweetness and thickness to the gravy.
3.Garlic paste (1 tbsp) – Adds depth to the spices.
4.Ginger paste (1 tbsp) – Adds a delicious aroma to the dish.
5.Sour curd (1 cup) – Gives the gravy smoothness and a sweet-sour taste.
6.Cashew and almond paste (2 tbsp) – Makes the gravy rich and creamy.
7.Fried onions (1 cup) – The key to the Shahi taste.
8.Ghee (2 tbsp) – For a royal aroma and traditional taste.
9.Cream (1/2 cup) – Makes the gravy smoother and more creamy.
10.Spice mix:
- Cardamom (2-3)
- Cinnamon (1 piece)
- Cloves (2-3)
- Bay leaf (1)
- Turmeric powder (1 tsp)
- Chilli powder (1 tsp)
- Coriander powder (1 tbsp)
12.Salt and sugar – As per taste.
13.Saffron milk (2 tbsp) – Optional for color and aroma.
Alternative Suggestions
In the event that some components are unavailable, milk can be substituted for cream for a milder flavor and almonds for cashews.
Preparation Steps
You need to work step by step to cook Shahi Chicken Korma. This recipe is a little time-consuming, but the results will be incomparable. Each step of the preparation is described below:
1. Marinating the chicken
Wash the chicken pieces thoroughly.
Combine the chicken, sour cream, ginger paste, garlic paste, salt, and a small pinch of turmeric powder in a bowl. To ensure the spices are well distributed throughout the chicken, thoroughly combine and cover for one hour.
2. Preparing the beresta (fried onion)
The onion should be fried in ghee until it is golden brown. Keep the fried onion for the garnish. Later on, it will be used as a garnish and in the gravy.
3. Making the gravy
Heat the ghee in a pan.
Add cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and bay leaves to it. Let the aroma of the spices come out.
Then add cashew and almond paste and fry for 2-3 minutes.
Add curd, coriander powder, chilli powder and a little sugar and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Cooking the chicken
Cook for 10 to 12 minutes over medium heat after adding the marinated chicken to the gravy.
For the chicken to cook evenly, stir it occasionally.
Add water as needed if the gravy becomes too dry.
5. Enriching the gravy
Now add the cream and half of the fried onions.
Mix kewra water or rose water and saffron milk and cook for another 5 minutes on low heat.
Check for salt and taste and add a little sugar if required.
6. Preparing to serve
Transfer the Shahi Chicken Korma to a serving platter once it has finished cooking. Add cashew bits with fried onions as garnish. Serve hot alongside pulao, paratha, or naan.
Tips to ensure perfection
While cooking Shahi Chicken Korma, if you keep a few small things in mind, your cooking will be absolutely perfect. Below are those tips:
1. Marinating the chicken is mandatory
Marinate the chicken well with curd and spices before cooking and keep it for at least 1 hour.This makes the chicken pieces soft and smooth and the flavor of the spices penetrates deep.
2. Make sure to cook at the proper temperature
Cook the korma slowly over low to medium heat to preserve its taste. This will facilitate the smooth blending of the chicken and gravy.
3. Take note of how the onions are frying
Beresta (fried onions) should be prepared by properly frying the onions until they get golden brown. A bitter taste may result from overfrying.
4. Use curd with caution
Break the curd well and stir slowly in the pan before adding it. Curd won't curdle as a result.
5. Apply milk with saffron
The korma gains a royal flavor and a lovely scent from the addition of saffron milk. Using it will add appeal to the dish.
6. Add the right amount of spices and water
Add the right amount of spices and water, so that the gravy is not too thin or too thick. Add water little by little as required.
7. Finish by adding rose or keora water
Add rose water or keora water last. This will add to the korma's aroma and give the flavor a new depth.
8. Be patient when cooking
Shahi korma is prepared slowly.You will lose the texture of the gravy and the flavor of the spices if you rush it.
9. Give it time to rest for serving
Once cooked, let it sit covered for ten minutes. As a result, the gravy and spices taste better.
10. Taste test
Test the taste of salt and spices at the last stage of cooking.This will make your dish more perfect.
Serving Suggestions
Shahi Chicken Korma is a royal dish that tastes much better when served properly.The following are some ideas for serving:
1. Paratha or naan
Hot butter naan, garlic naan, or laccha paratha are the ideal accompaniments for Shahi Chicken Korma.These flatbread go well with the korma's velvety sauce.
2. Saffron Biryani or Polao
If you'd like, you can serve Shahi Chicken Korma with Kashmiri pulao, saffron polao, or gently spicy biryani. This will make the dish feel much more aristocratic.
3. With plain rice
If you want something lighter, Shahi Korma can also be enjoyed with plain basmati rice or hot boiled rice.
4. Special garnishing ingredients
Add cashew nuts or almonds, a pinch of saffron, and fried onions (beresta) to the korma before serving. In addition to improving the dish's appearance, this will give the flavor a new depth.
5. Side dishes
Korma can be served with a variety of side dishes, including papad, kachchi salad (onion, cucumber, and tomato), and raita. These will help the dish become more balanced.
6. Adequate beverages
Cold lassi, rose sharbat, or mildly spiced tea go better with Shahi Chicken Korma.
7. Festive or event serving
If it is prepared for a festive or special occasion, then serve it on a silver or bronze plate.This will make the dish look more royal.
Recipe Variations
A recipe that may be adapted to various settings and palates is Shahi Chicken Korma.A few well-liked versions are as follows:
1. Shahi Mutton Korma
This recipe can be made with mutton instead of chicken.Mutton korma cooks gently, making the meat soft and flavorful, and the sauce has a mutton flavor that adds depth.
2. Vegetable Korma
Vegetables can be used to make Shahi Korma for vegetarians.Peas, potatoes, carrots, or broccoli can be used to make this variation.
3. Paneer Korma
A vegetarian yet delicious korma can be made using paneer.The combination of gravy and paneer gives it a unique flavor.
4. Coconut Korma
Coconut milk can be used instead of milk to bring out the South Indian flavor. It adds a different flavor and a smoother texture.
5. Spice-Korma
Those who like spicy food can increase the spiciness of the korma by adding more chili powder or green chilies.
6. Cashew-raisin korma
Adding more cashews and raisins to the gravy makes it sweeter and richer. This is especially suitable for festivals.
7. Lighter version of korma
Those who are health conscious can use less ghee or oil in the gravy and make a lighter korma by using sour cream instead of cream.
8. Desi-flavoured korma
Different regions add some local spices to Shahi korma according to taste, such as garam masala or dried coriander leaves.
Health and Nutrition
Shahi Chicken Korma is not only delicious, it is also full of nutrients. The ingredients used in this recipe have various benefits for our body.Some of its nutritional benefits are mentioned below:
1. Good source of protein
A high protein content found in chicken meat aids in muscle growth and tissue repair. It also contributes to the body's increased strength.
2. Healthy fats
This recipe is enhanced with healthy fats from cashew nuts and ghee, which are good for the skin and provide the body the energy it needs.It should, however, be used sparingly.
3. Benefits of spices
In addition to improving food flavor, ginger, garlic, and cinnamon also strengthen the body's defenses against illness. Ginger and garlic have anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.
4. Nutritional benefits of yogurt
Sour yogurt adds probiotics to this recipe, which improves the digestive process and maintains good stomach health.
5. Vitamins and Minerals
Nuts and spices contain a variety of vitamins and minerals that support the body's energy levels. The body is kept healthy, particularly by the magnesium in cashews and the antioxidants in cinnamon.
6. Calories and Balance
Shahi Korma is a rich and calorie-rich dish. It is ideal for festivals or special occasions, but those who are health conscious can make a healthier version by using less ghee and cream.
Tips for the health conscious:
You can use less oil or ghee.
Using curd instead of cream can reduce the calories a little.
The dish can be made healthier by controlling the amount of spices and salt.
Shahi Chicken Korma is a royal dish that makes any dining table special with its taste, aroma, and heritage. This recipe not only reminds us of the ancient Mughal culinary traditions, but also brings the joy of eating together with family members or guests.
The end result is so wonderful that the time and patience needed to create it will be worthwhile. Anyone can be impressed by its delicious flavor, well-balanced spices, and smooth gravy.
Try this recipe yourself, and don't forget to let us know how it turns out. Foods such as Shahi Chicken Korma satisfy the heart as well as the stomach. It is the perfect recipe for special occasions that can strengthen your bonds with your loved ones.
To learn the recipe for seekh kabab,read "Seekh Kebab Recipe: Tips, Techniques, and Serving Suggestions".
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