Living in Delhi, I've had the pleasure of enjoying a tasty dish known as Chicken Changezi numerous times. However, constantly dining out wasn't always feasible. So, I tried replicating this rich, flavorful dish at home. The result was amazing! While it may not be the same as the Old Delhi-style Chicken Changezi, it was very similar. I made it for a family gathering, and everyone thought I had brought it from a restaurant. It was...
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Place the chicken pieces in a bowl. Add salt, Kashmiri red chilli powder, ginger garlic paste, lemon juice, and oil. Mix well and set aside to marinate for 20 minutes.
Add curd to the marinated chicken. Mix well and let it rest for another 10-15 minutes.
Soak the almonds in hot water for 8-10 minutes, then peel them and set aside.
Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until the chicken pieces turn brown and are almost done (90%). Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
In the same frying pan or wok, heat 1 tbsp of oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and peeled almonds, stirring for a few minutes or until slightly golden brown. Remove from the oil, let them cool, and then grind into a fine paste, adding a little water if necessary.
Heat the remaining oil in the frying pan over medium-high heat. Add ginger garlic paste and fry for a minute.
Add the pureed tomatoes, red chilli powder, milk, garam masala, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the cream, chaat masala, and the onion-almond paste and salt to taste. Cook on medium-high heat until oil starts to separate from the mixture.
Add the cooked chicken pieces, kasuri methi, green chillies, and water. Mix well. Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the oil surfaces.
For a smoked flavour (optional): Heat a small piece of coal until red hot. Place a small bowl in the centre of the chicken in the wok. Add the hot coal to the bowl, drizzle with 1 tsp of ghee or oil, and immediately cover the wok to trap the smoke. Let it rest for 3-4 minutes, then remove the bowl of coal.
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with naan or roti.
Marinate the chicken for a longer period to ensure it absorbs all the flavours.
Smoking the chicken is optional but adds a unique flavour to the dish.
Adjust the number of green chillies to suit your taste.
Adjust the amount of water to achieve your preferred gravy consistency.
You can also use cashews instead of almonds to achieve a similarly creamy texture and rich flavour.
You can serve it with more sliced green chillies or julienned ginger.
What are some cooking tips for making Chicken Changezi at home?
To make Chicken Changezi at home, ensure you marinate the chicken well for at least 30-35 minutes to enhance the flavors. Cooking the chicken until it's 90% done before adding it to the gravy helps retain its tenderness. Additionally, using a combination of fresh spices and a smoked flavor can elevate the dish significantly.
Can I make Chicken Changezi gluten-free?
Yes, Chicken Changezi is naturally gluten-free. However, always check the labels of any packaged spices or ingredients you use to ensure they do not contain gluten. This makes it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
What are some good side dishes to serve with Chicken Changezi?
Chicken Changezi pairs wonderfully with naan or roti, but you can also serve it with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice for a complete meal. For added freshness, consider a side salad or raita to balance the rich flavors of the curry.
How should I store leftover Chicken Changezi?
Store leftover Chicken Changezi in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to prevent it from drying out, and heat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
What can I substitute for almonds in Chicken Changezi?
If you need a substitute for almonds in Chicken Changezi, you can use cashews or sunflower seeds for a similar creamy texture. Alternatively, you can omit nuts altogether and increase the amount of cream or yogurt for richness.
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