Lahori Chargha is a famous Pakistani dish, particularly popular in Lahore, Punjab. It consists of marinated whole chicken, deep-fried to crispy perfection. The marinade is rich in spices and herbs, giving the chicken a flavorful and aromatic taste. Here’s a detailed recipe to make Lahori Chargha at home:
Ingredients:
For the Marinade:
- 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 to 2 kg), cleaned and scored
- 1 cup yogurt
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon coriander powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin powder
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For Frying:
- Sufficient vegetable oil for deep frying
For Garnish:
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- Lemon wedges
- Onion rings
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, salt, and vegetable oil. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
- Make deep cuts or slashes in the chicken with a sharp knife to allow the marinade to penetrate.
- Rub the marinade all over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated, including inside the cuts. Massage the marinade into the chicken for better flavor penetration.
- Cover the bowl with cling film or transfer the chicken to a large zip-lock bag. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse.
- When ready to cook, remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large, deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Carefully lower the marinated chicken into the hot oil, breast side down. Fry for a few minutes until it turns golden brown and crispy.
- Using tongs, carefully flip the chicken over and fry the other side until it’s also golden brown and crispy.
- Once the chicken is cooked through and crispy on all sides, remove it from the oil and drain on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Garnish the Lahori Chargha with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with lemon wedges and onion rings on the side.
- Lahori Chargha is traditionally served with naan bread or rice and accompanied by mint chutney or yogurt raita.
Enjoy the delicious and flavorful Lahori Chargha with your family and friends!
