Calcutta Spicy Chicken Delight
Calcutta Spicy Chicken Delight is a flavorful Indian dish that requires minimal preparation compared to other traditional recipes. This dish is known for its vibrant aromas and spicy kick, making it a truly delightful meal. There is no sauce in this dish, so it's best accompanied by flavorful rice, such as cumin or cardamom-infused, instead of plain rice. Pair it with your favorite raita for a refreshing contrast, and you have an inviting and satisfying meal. The recipe originates from the 'Good Food' magazine's November 2005 issue. Remember, marinating your chicken anywhere between 30 minutes to 24 hours can greatly enhance the flavors. Indulge yourself in this culinary journey!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable Oil or Peanut Oil
4 tablespoons (divided)
Spanish Onions
2 medium (finely chopped)
Boneless Chicken Breasts
4 (cut into bite-sized chunks)
Green Chilies
2 (finely chopped)
White Pepper
1 teaspoon (ground)
Spring Onion
optional (shredded for garnish)
Dark Soy Sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
Hot Chili Powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Cornflour
2 tablespoons (none)
Gingerroot
1 inch (peeled and finely grated)
Garlic Cloves
4 (finely chopped)
Malt Vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
Tomato Puree
2 tablespoons (none)
Demerara Sugar
2 teaspoons (none)
Instructions
1
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
2
Combine the soy sauce, hot chili powder, salt, cornflour, grated ginger, chopped garlic, malt vinegar, tomato puree, and demerara sugar in a bowl to create the marinade.
3
Step 2: Cook the Onions
4
In a heavy-based pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable or peanut oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped Spanish onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they are softened but not browned. Remove from heat and let cool.
5
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
6
Mix the cooled onions into the marinade mixture. Add the bite-sized chicken chunks and ensure they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for enhanced flavor.
7
Step 4: Cook the Spicy Chicken
8
Heat the remaining oil in the same pan over low heat. Add finely chopped green chilies and white pepper, sautéing them for 1 minute. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the marinated chicken and any leftover marinade in the bowl.
9
Step 5: Finish and Serve
10
Cook for approximately 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned. If using, garnish with shredded spring onions. Serve hot with flavorful rice and raita.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Calcutta Spicy Chicken Delight?
Calcutta Spicy Chicken Delight is a flavorful Indian chicken dish known for its vibrant aromas, spicy kick, and minimal preparation time.
Does this chicken dish have a sauce?
No, this recipe does not include a sauce; it is a dry-style chicken dish.
What should I serve with Calcutta Spicy Chicken Delight?
It is best accompanied by flavorful rice, such as cumin or cardamom-infused rice, and your favorite raita for a refreshing contrast.
Where did this recipe originate?
The recipe originates from the November 2005 issue of 'Good Food' magazine.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken anywhere from 30 minutes up to 24 hours to greatly enhance the flavors.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of chicken cut is used?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized chunks.
Which oils can I use for cooking this dish?
You can use either vegetable oil or peanut oil.
What kind of onions are required?
The recipe specifies using 2 medium Spanish onions, finely chopped.
Is the chicken marinated with cooked or raw onions?
The onions should be sautéed until softened and allowed to cool before being mixed into the marinade.
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade consists of soy sauce, hot chili powder, salt, cornflour, grated ginger, chopped garlic, malt vinegar, tomato puree, and demerara sugar.
How long do I cook the Spanish onions?
Sauté the Spanish onions for approximately 5 minutes until they are softened but not browned.
When do I add the green chilies and white pepper?
Add the finely chopped green chilies and white pepper to the pan and sauté for 1 minute before adding the marinated chicken.
How long does the chicken take to cook in the pan?
Cook the chicken for approximately 10 minutes or until it is cooked through and slightly browned.
What is the recommended garnish for this dish?
Shredded spring onions are the recommended (though optional) garnish.
How much ginger is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses a 1-inch piece of gingerroot, which should be peeled and finely grated.
What type of soy sauce is needed?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of dark soy sauce.
What kind of vinegar is included in the marinade?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of malt vinegar.
How many garlic cloves should I use?
You will need 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped.
Is there sugar in the recipe?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of demerara sugar are included in the marinade.
What gives the chicken its spicy flavor?
The spice comes from a combination of hot chili powder, green chilies, and ground white pepper.
How much cornflour is needed for the marinade?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of cornflour for the marinade.
Does this recipe use tomato products?
Yes, it uses 2 tablespoons of tomato puree in the marinade.
What heat level should I use to cook the chicken?
After sautéing the chilies on low, increase the heat to medium-high to cook the marinated chicken.
Can I use ground ginger instead of fresh?
The recipe specifically calls for grated gingerroot to ensure vibrant aroma and authentic flavor.
Is salt included in the marinade?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of salt is added to the marinade mixture.
How should I prepare the Spanish onions?
The onions should be finely chopped before they are sautéed and added to the marinade.
Do I throw away the leftover marinade in the bowl?
No, you should add the marinated chicken and any leftover marinade from the bowl to the pan for cooking.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
The recipe uses 15 different ingredients including the optional garnish.
What should the final texture of the chicken be?
The chicken should be cooked through and slightly browned on the outside.