Chicken Jalfrezi is a popular and vibrant Indian dish that originated from the Indian subcontinent but has evolved through various cultural influences. It consists of tender chicken pieces stir-fried with colorful bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. The dish is known for its bold and tangy flavors, often incorporating a hint of heat from green chilies or red chili powder. Chicken Jalfrezi is a versatile dish that can be adjusted to varying spice preferences and is typically served with rice or naan, showcasing a tantalizing combination of textures and tastes.
Here’s a detailed recipe to make chicken jalfrezi:
Ingredients:
- 500 grams boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated or minced
- 2-3 green chilies, sliced (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 cup tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prep Work:
- Marinate the chicken pieces with a bit of salt and turmeric powder. Set aside for 15-20 minutes.
- Chop all the vegetables and keep them ready.
2. Cooking Process:
- Heat oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add sliced onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies. Cook for a minute until the raw aroma fades.
3. Cooking the Chicken:
- Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan. Cook until they turn golden brown.
- Mix in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and form a thick sauce.
4. Spice Blend:
- Add coriander powder, red chili powder, and turmeric powder. Stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables with the spices.
- Toss in the red and green bell peppers. Cook for a few minutes until they are slightly tender yet retain some crunch.
- Sprinkle garam masala and adjust salt if needed. Mix thoroughly.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the chicken jalfrezi with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.
Tips:
- Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.
- For an extra kick, you can add a dash of vinegar or lemon juice towards the end.
- Experiment by adding other vegetables like carrots, peas, or broccoli to enhance the dish’s texture and nutritional value.
Chicken jalfrezi, with its tantalizing blend of spices and colorful veggies, is a delightful dish that brings out the robust flavors of Indian cuisine.
