| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 560 | 39g | 15g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 4g | 35g | 1.25g |
Why I Love Indian Chicken Nargisi Kofta Curry
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from being a Louisiana native with French ancestry, it’s that rich, robust flavors combined with delicate elegance can result in something truly magical—no matter where those flavors originate. Today, I’m talking about one of my favorite dishes that undoubtedly exemplifies this culinary principle: the Chicken Nargisi Kofta Curry. Drawing inspiration from Indian cuisine, this flavorful ensemble marries an array of spices with succulent ground chicken and hard-boiled eggs. Contents of the recipe seamlessly blend the diversity of Indian spices with the earthy richness of chicken, making it a veritable feast for the senses.
Flavors That Cross Borders
This recipe isn’t just a tribute to classic Indian cuisine, but it is aligns closely with my own culinary philosophy of combining richness with elegance. Although far from my home and the flavors I grew up with, this Chicken Nargisi Kofta Curry recipe is so full of warmth and comfort, it surprisingly reminds me of the Creole dishes from my childhood. Like the Gumbo of Louisiana, this recipe also incorporates a plethora of flavors, a characteristic I truly admire.
While I developed this recipe after learning about it from multiple sources, I owe a fair bit of inspiration to none other than renowned Indian chef Sanjeev Kapoor. His ability to create elegance from simple ingredients truly resonates with my own culinary style.
Pairs Perfectly
Chicken Nargisi Kofta Curry not only stands out on its own but it also pairs exceptionally well with a variety of side dishes. Try it along with Naan or Jeera Rice for an authentic Indian feast. Or for a unique fusion, pair it with a bowl of mildly spiced Couscous. The possibilities are as endless as they are delicious!
Each ingredient in the Chicken Nargisi Kofta Curry recipe contributes in its unique way to the overall texture and flavor, creating a harmonious balance that is simply irresistible. Whether it’s the grounding effect of the ground chicken, the smooth richness lent by the eggs, or the medley of spices that add a robust kick to each bite, it’s a dining experience like no other.
So, if you’re ready to take your taste buds on a flavor-packed journey, I promise you this Chicken Nargisi Kofta Curry is the passport you need. Bon Appétit!
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 pounds of ground chicken
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
- 1 raw egg
- 1 cup of plain breadcrumbs
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of green chili, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of garam masala powder
- 1/2 tablespoon of turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon of red chili powder
- 1/2 tablespoon of cumin powder
- 1 can of tomato paste (6 oz) or 2 fresh tomatoes, pureed
- 1/2 cup of plain yogurt
- 4 cups of water
- 1 cup of vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, for sautéing
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice
Method
Step One
Begin by seasoning the ground chicken with the garam masala powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, and salt. Add in the ginger-garlic paste, chopped green chilies, and chopped cilantro. Mix thoroughly.
Step Two
Add the raw egg and breadcrumbs to the ground chicken mixture. Mix well until the mixture becomes firm.
Step Three
Divide the chicken mixture into six equal portions. Take one portion and flatten it out on your palm. Place a hard-boiled egg in the centre, and fold the chicken mixture around the egg, ensuring the egg is completely covered. Repeat with the remaining hard-boiled eggs.
Step Four
Heat the cup of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Carefully place the chicken-egg balls in the hot oil and deep fry until golden brown. Remove from the oil and place on kitchen paper to absorb the excess oil.
Step Five
In another pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute.
Step Six
Add the pureed tomatoes or tomato paste, along with the garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and cumin powder. Stir well and cook for another couple of minutes.
Step Seven
Blend in the plain yogurt, stirring continuously. Let the mixture cook for 5 minutes, then add water. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Step Eight
Gently place the fried chicken-egg koftas into the sauce. Let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
Step Nine
Garnish the curry with chopped fresh coriander and a sprinkle of fresh lime juice before serving. Enjoy your Chicken Nargisi Kofta Curry!
