Murgh Handi (Spicy Chicken With Tomatoes)

• boneless chicken, cubed↗1⁄2 kg
• medium onion, chopped↗1
• ginger-garlic paste2 teaspoons
• cumin seeds, coarsely ground↗1 1⁄2 teaspoons
• chili powder↗1 teaspoon
• tomatoes, skinned, deseeded and chopped↗2 -3
• dried fenugreek leaves1 teaspoon
• green chilies, sliced↗2
• black pepper↗1 teaspoon
• garam masala powder↗1 teaspoon
• desiccated coconut↗2 teaspoons
• yogurt↗2 tablespoons
• cream↗1⁄4 cup
• plain flour↗1 teaspoon
• gingerroot, julienne1 inch
• cup coriander, chopped1⁄4

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Heat karhai/wok over medium-high and add 1/4 cup oil. Fry chicken, stirring often for 3 minutes, and then remove to a bowl.

2. 2

   In the same karhai (adding some oil if necessary), add the onions over medium-high. Stir often until coloured, about 2 minutes. Lower heat to medium, then add 1-2 tbsp water and mix through. Add ginger-garlic and stir for 1 minute. The mixture should be browning.

3. 3

   Add 1 tsp of the coarsely ground cumin seeds and stir for 30 seconds. Add chilli powder and stir constantly until combined. Add a few tbsp water and stir for 30 seconds, then add the tomatoes. Mix through, and then cover over medium for 5 minutes. Stir, and then cover further 3 minutes. The tomatoes should be soft.

4. 4

   Add chicken and mix in over high for 1 minute. Add the dried fenugreek and stir through. Add the sliced green chillies and fry for 1 minute. Stir through the black pepper powder, then add the garam masala and cook 1 minute. Make sure to stir regularly so the mixture doesn't stick. Add the remaining 1/2 tsp of ground cumin seeds, and stir to combine, then reduce heat to medium-low.

5. 5

   Stir through the coconut, and cook for 1 minute. Add the yogurt and stir slowly over medium-low for 2 minutes, until well combined. Now add the cream, and stir slowly for further 2 minutes. Add the flour and mix well, then cover for 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked.

6. 6

   Uncover the dish and increase flame to high. Add the ginger and stir through the dish, then add half of the coriander. Stir 1-2 minutes over high to dry any excess water. Serve, garnished with a dollop of ghee over the top (optional) and the remainding fresh coriander.

7. 7

   N.B. Put the required amount of yogurt and cream in bowls before you start cooking, so it is room-temperature when you have to add it to the chicken; it will blend through the dish easier.