Coriander & Mint Chicken Curry
Indulge in the aromatic and flavorful Coriander & Mint Chicken Curry, a delightful dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich and vibrant green gravy made from fresh herbs and spices. The combination of coriander and mint contributes to a refreshing taste that beautifully complements the warmth of the spices. This dish is perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner, and it pairs wonderfully with fluffy basmati rice or warm Indian bread, making every bite a gourmet experience.
4-6
Servings
N/A
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken
1 (medium, washed and cut into pieces)
Curds (Yogurt)
1/2 cup
Onions
3 (medium, sliced)
Ginger-Garlic Paste
1 tablespoon
Cashew Nuts
10-15 nos. (soaked in water)
Cinnamon Sticks
2
Black Peppercorns
8
Cloves
4-5
Green Cardamoms
4
Cumin Seeds
1 teaspoon
Coriander Seeds
2 teaspoons
Green Chilies
6
Coriander Leaves
1 bunch
Mint Leaves
1 bunch
Cream
2 tablespoons
Turmeric Powder
1/4 teaspoon
Red Chili Powder
1 teaspoon
Garam Masala Powder
1 teaspoon
Warm Water
1 1/2 cups
Ghee (Clarified Butter)
as per requirement
Salt
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the cashew nuts in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften them.
2
In a skillet, heat some ghee over medium heat and fry the sliced onions until they are golden brown and crisp. Remove and set aside.
3
In a spice grinder, combine the cinnamon sticks, cloves, green cardamoms, black peppercorns, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds. Grind this mixture into a fine powder and set aside.
4
Next, combine the green chilies, coriander leaves, mint leaves, softened cashew nuts, and the fried onions in a blender or food processor. Blend until you achieve a smooth green masala paste. Set aside.
5
In a mixing bowl, marinate the chicken pieces with ginger-garlic paste, curds, and the green masala paste. Allow it to marinate for at least one hour for the flavors to meld.
6
After marinating, heat ghee in a large pan. Add the marinated chicken and sauté until the oil begins to separate from the mixture.
7
Stir in the turmeric powder and salt according to your taste, cooking the chicken for an additional 5-6 minutes. This will enhance the flavors.
8
Gradually add warm water to the pan, cover, and let the chicken simmer until it's tender, about 20-30 minutes.
9
Once the chicken is cooked through, add the powdered spice mix and cream. Continue to simmer until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
10
Serve hot with steamed rice or your choice of Indian bread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Coriander & Mint Chicken Curry?
It is a flavorful dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a vibrant green gravy made from fresh coriander, mint, and various spices.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve between 4 to 6 people.
What is the base of the green masala paste?
The green masala paste is made by blending green chilies, coriander leaves, mint leaves, softened cashew nuts, and fried onions.
How long should the chicken be marinated?
The chicken should be marinated for at least one hour to allow the flavors of the green masala, curds, and ginger-garlic paste to meld.
What type of fat is recommended for frying and sautéing?
Ghee, or clarified butter, is recommended for frying the onions and cooking the chicken to enhance the rich flavor.
How do I prepare the cashew nuts for the recipe?
Soak the cashew nuts in warm water for approximately 10 minutes to soften them before blending.
Which whole spices are ground into a powder?
The recipe calls for grinding cinnamon sticks, cloves, green cardamoms, black peppercorns, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds into a fine powder.
What ingredients are used for the chicken marinade?
The chicken is marinated with ginger-garlic paste, curds (yogurt), and the prepared green masala paste.
What is the recommended cooking time for simmering the chicken?
Once water is added, the chicken should simmer for about 20-30 minutes until it is tender.
How can I tell when the chicken is sufficiently sautéd?
You should sauté the marinated chicken until the oil (ghee) begins to separate from the mixture.
Does this recipe include cream?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of cream are added at the end of the cooking process to thicken the gravy and add richness.
What are the best side dishes for Coriander & Mint Chicken Curry?
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy basmati rice, steamed rice, or warm Indian breads like naan or paratha.
How do I prepare the onions for this curry?
The onions should be sliced and fried in ghee until they are golden brown and crisp before being blended into the masala.
What is the purpose of adding turmeric powder?
Turmeric powder is added during the sautéing process to enhance the flavor profile and color of the dish.
How many green chilies are used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 6 green chilies to provide a balanced level of heat to the green gravy.
Can I adjust the salt in this recipe?
Yes, salt should be added according to your personal taste during the cooking process.
What is the texture of the final gravy?
The final gravy is thick and rich, thanks to the combination of cashew nuts, fried onions, and the addition of cream at the end.
When should I add the ground spice mix?
The ground spice mix should be added after the chicken is fully cooked, just before adding the cream for the final simmer.
Is yogurt used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 cup of curds (yogurt) is used in the marinade to tenderize the chicken.
How much water is needed for the gravy?
The recipe suggests adding 1.5 cups of warm water to simmer the chicken and create the gravy.
What size should the chicken pieces be?
The recipe recommends using one medium chicken, washed and cut into pieces.
How much ginger-garlic paste is required?
One tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste is used for the chicken marinade.
What herbs provide the main flavor?
Fresh coriander leaves and mint leaves (one bunch of each) provide the refreshing and aromatic primary flavors.
Is red chili powder used in this green curry?
Yes, the recipe include 1 teaspoon of red chili powder for an extra layer of spice.
What type of cardamom is used?
Four green cardamoms are used in the spice mix for their citrusy, floral notes.
Does the recipe use Garam Masala?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of Garam Masala powder is included among the ingredients.
How do I achieve a smooth masala?
Use a blender or food processor to combine the herbs, nuts, and fried onions until the mixture is completely smooth.
Should the water added during cooking be hot or cold?
The instructions recommend gradually adding warm water to the pan for simmering.
How many cashew nuts are needed?
The recipe calls for 10-15 cashew nuts, which help thicken the sauce and add creaminess.
Can this dish be served at special occasions?
Yes, its gourmet profile and aromatic flavors make it perfect for special occasions or cozy family dinners.