| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 1 hr 10 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 12g | 5g | 24g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 5g | 28g | 1g |
Why I Love Indian Chicken Stew
Though my heart belongs to beignets and éclairs, today, I’m taking you on a journey to the heart of India with a hearty, flavorful Chicken Stew. This is a traditional Indian recipe that, though simple, manifests layers of complexity within every bite, echoing the country’s rich heritage.
A Stew with Depth
The Indian Chicken Stew recipe’s beauty lies in its balance and diversity of flavors. Although the delicate balance of spices might seem daunting, they form a symphony of complementary flavors, pleasantly surprising the senses with each spoonful. The bountiful spice-market aroma radiates warmth, while underpinning notes of ginger and garlic, provide an earthy complexity softened by coconut milk’s gentle sweetness.
While cooking stews, I remember my grandmother’s advice, “The dish should sing to you.” Her wisdom rings in every pot I cook. My rendition of the Chicken Stew quickly became a personal favorite, reminiscent of my childhood flavored by my Cajun and Creole roots. It also shares a warming connection with the Louisiana Chicken Gumbo – another soulful dish from my homeland, felt fitting.
Professional Inspiration
The inspiration for this recipe comes from none other than the esteemed Madhur Jaffrey, a name synonymous with Indian cookery. Even though she’s not behind every dish I create, her influence is definitive in the way I approach Indian cuisine – emphasizing authenticity, simplicity, and a profound respect for each ingredient.
A Perfect Pairing
To complement the myriad flavors of the chicken stew, I suggest pairing it with a light side, to balance this rich and hearty entrée. Steamed basmati rice or a soft Indian bread, such as Naan or Roti, makes an ideal companion. These accompaniments provide a canvas that tenderly absorbs the stew’s myriad flavors, allowing you to savor the complexity at its fullest. Furthermore, a tangy, palate freshening Cucumber Raita would also be a great accompaniment.
Do try this Indian Chicken Stew recipe – lose yourself in the richness of flavors, and let the dish touch your soul just as it has mine.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs of chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of ginger, grated
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cloves
- 4 cardamom pods, crushed
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2 potatoes, cut into chunks
- 2 carrots, cut into chunks
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup of coconut milk
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Method
Step One
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides. Once they are well-browned, remove them from the pot and set them aside.
Step Two
In the same pot, add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step Three
Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, crushed cardamom pods, ground turmeric, ground coriander, and red chili powder to the pot. Stir them in and allow to cook for about a minute until the spices are fragrant.
Step Four
Add the finely chopped tomatoes to the pot and stir them in. Allow them to cook until they break down and form a sauce.
Step Five
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add the chunks of potato and carrot, and pour in the chicken broth. Add salt to taste, then stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step Six
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the stew to simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
Step Seven
Stir in the coconut milk and let the stew simmer for another 5 minutes.
Step Eight
Serve the chicken stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh coriander leaves. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Stew!
