Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of Afghani Malai Chicken Seekh Gravy, a culinary masterpiece that beautifully blends the succulent tenderness of chicken seekh kebabs with a luxuriously creamy and subtly spiced gravy. This dish transcends the ordinary, offering a delightful explosion of textures and tastes in every bite. The creamy malai, infused with aromatic spices like cardamom and ginger, creates a velvety sauce that perfectly complements the smoky char of the perfectly grilled chicken seekhs. Imagine tender chicken, infused with aromatic spices and enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce – a true taste of Afghan culinary heritage.
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this authentic recipe, a journey into the heart of Afghan cuisine. This recipe provides a detailed, step-by-step guide, making this impressive dish surprisingly accessible even for home cooks. Ready to embark on this delicious culinary adventure? Let's get started!
Tools Needed
- Chopper
- Skewer sticks or pencil
- Pan
- Grinding jar
Ingredients
- Medium-sized onion: 1
- Green chilies: 4-5
- Chicken mince: 500g
- Boneless chicken: optional, as a substitute for mince
- Chili flakes: 1 tbsp
- Cumin powder: 1 tbsp
- Garam masala powder: 1 tbsp
- Bread crumbs: 1/4 cup
- Fresh cream: 1 tbsp
- Salt: to taste
- Coriander: some, finely chopped
- Mint leaves: some
- Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tbsp + 2 tbsp
- Oil
- Cashew nuts: 10-12
- Coriander leaves (with stalks)
- Butter: 2 tbsp
- Green cardamoms: 3-4
- Cloves: 4-5
- White pepper powder: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper powder: 1/2 tsp
- Chaat masala: 1/2 tsp
- Beaten curd: 1/2 cup
- Kasuri methi (crushed)
- Lemon juice: 1/2 lemon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Chicken Malai Seekh Kebabs
- Chop onion and green chilies.
- Add chicken mince (or boneless chicken), chili flakes, cumin powder, garam masala, bread crumbs, fresh cream, and salt to the chopped onion and chilies. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Add finely chopped coriander, mint leaves, and ginger-garlic paste. Mix thoroughly.
- Make skewers using the prepared mixture. Oil your hands and pan to prevent sticking.
- Fry the skewers in oil on medium flame until golden brown.
Step 2. Make the Creamy Gravy Base
- Heat oil in a pan, add chopped onions, cashew nuts, and green chilies. Fry until onions turn pink and soft.
- Add salt and coriander leaves (with stalks). Mix for 30 seconds. Cook until coriander softens. Cool and grind into a paste.
- Heat oil and butter in a pan. Add green cardamoms, cloves, and ginger-garlic paste. Cook until the rawness of the ginger-garlic is gone.
- Add the prepared coriander paste and other spices (white pepper, black pepper, cumin, chaat masala, garam masala). Fry for 2-3 minutes on medium flame.
- Reduce the flame to low, add beaten curd and salt. Mix well and cover the pan. Cook on low flame for a few minutes to avoid burning.
Step 3. Combine and Simmer
- Add the fried skewers, crushed kasuri methi, and mix well.
- Add fresh cream, cover the pan, and cook for 5-6 minutes on low-medium flame.
Step 4. Finish and Garnish
- Remove the lid, squeeze in lemon juice, and add finely chopped coriander. Mix well on medium flame and turn off the heat.
Read more: Arabian Flame Grilled Fish (Samak Mashwi) Recipe
Tips
- Breadcrumbs help maintain the shape of the seekh kebabs.
- You can use a mixer grinder instead of a chopper for mixing the seekh ingredients.
- Cooking on low flame prevents the spices from burning and allows the oil to separate.
Nutrition
- Calories: 600-700
- Fat: 40-50g
- Carbs: 20-30g
- Protein: 40-50g
FAQs
1. Can I make the chicken seekh kebabs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the seekh kebab mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. Grill them just before you're ready to make the gravy.
2. What can I substitute for malai (cream) if I don't have it?
You can substitute heavy cream or full-fat yogurt for the malai. The taste will be slightly different, but still delicious.
This Afghani Malai Chicken Seekh Gravy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The creamy sauce and tender chicken seekhs create a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Enjoy this delicious dish, and don't hesitate to share it with your loved ones!