Murgh Do Pyaaza

Murgh Do Pyaaza is a delicious chicken recipe from the Indian sub-continent. 'Murgh' means chicken and 'Do' means two and 'Pyaaz'  means onions. So, the name basically indicates that while cooking chicken, onions are added twice. Here, I have chosen the Lucknowi version of this recipe.

Preparation time : 10 minutes+ half an hour marination

Cooking time : 30 minutes

Ingredients :

Chicken - 500 gm, cut into medium sized pieces

Onions - 2, large

Ginger paste - 1/2 tsp

Garlic paste - 1tsp

Red chilli powder- 1 tsp+ 1 tsp

Ghee - 250 gm

Garlic paste - 1 tsp

Ginger paste - 1/2 tsp

Yoghurt - 1/2 cup

Turmeric powder -1 tsp

Coriander powder -1 1/2 tsp

Cumin powder - 1 1/2 tsp

Salt - to taste

For the Garam masala :

Cinnamon powder - 1/2 tbsp

Cloves powder -1/2 tbsp

Greencardamom powder - 1/2 tbsp

Black cardamom powder - a pinch

Mace powder - 2 pinches

For Garnishing :

Cream - 2 tbsp

Fenugreek powder - 1/2 tbsp

Coriander leaves - 1 tbsp, finely chopped

Mint leaves - 1/2 tbsp, finely chopped

Method :

1. Marinate the chicken with ginger garlic paste, red chilli powder and salt. Mix and keep for 30 minutes.

2. Mix together all the spice powders to make the garam masala.

3. Cut half the onions into wedges and the other half to be chopped finely. Blend the tomatoes to a fine paste to make puree.

4. Heat ghee in a heavy bottom vessel, add garlic paste and saute for a couple of minutes. Then add the chopped onions and ginger paste and saute till the onions turn brown.

5. Add the tomato puree and stir continously for 4-5 minutes. Add salt and yoghurt and mix well. Add the turmeric and red chilli powders and mix. Stir ocassionally and cook for 8- 10 minutes.

6. Add the cumin and coriander powders and stir for 3-4 minutes. Now add the marinated chicken, the quartered onions and garam masala powder and mix.

7. Add 1/2 a cup of water, mix, cover and cook till done. Transfer to a serving bowl.

8. Heat cream, mint and coriander leaves and fenugreek powder, stir for a minute. Pour over the prepared chicken. Serve hot with rice or chapattis.