Pomegranate Walnut Chicken Drumsticks

Name: Pomegranate Walnut Chicken Drumsticks
Prep time: 75 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 105 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 8 Chicken Drumsticks; Coriander (for garnishing - optional); Pomegranate Arils (for garnishing - optional); Roasted Walnuts (for garnishing - optional); 0.5 cup Mint Leaves; 3 Green Chillies (chopped); Ginger (2 inch - finely chopped); 8 Garlic Cloves; 1 tbsp Oil; 1 tbsp Salt; 0.5 cup Walnuts; 0.5 tsp Salt; 0.5 cup Thick Yogurt/Curd; 2 tbsp Oil; 1 Cinnamon Stick (1 inch); 2 Bay Leaves; 1 Onion (medium) (ground); 1 tbsp Yogurt/Curd; 1 tbsp Coriander Powder; 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder; 0.5 tbsp Turmeric; 3 tbsp Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder; 1 cup Water; 2 tbsp Pomegranate Concentrate

Looking for a new way to spice up your winter? These Pomegranate Walnut Chicken Drumsticks are just what you need! The chicken is juicy and tender, perfect for a flavoursome dinner. The pomegranate sauce adds just the right amount of tanginess and sweetness to make this dish absolutely delicious.

Step 1

Make a paste of mint leaves, green chillies, ginger, garlic, oil and salt in a mixer. Keep aside for later use.

Step 2

Cut slits into chicken drumsticks. Wash thoroughly and pat them dry.

Step 3

Add the mint paste to the drumsticks and coat them evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour. (For better results, refrigerate the marinated chicken overnight.)

Step 1

Place a grill pan or a shallow heavy-bottomed pan on medium flame.

Step 2

Add walnuts and salt and dry roast for 8-10 minutes.

Step 3

Once walnuts are roasted, place them on a plate and let them cool.

Step 4

Transfer the walnuts in to a mixer. Add the yogurt/curd and make a smooth paste. Keep aside for later use.

Step 5

In the same pan, add 1tbsp oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and sear on high flame for 2-3 minutes. Toss the chicken and again cook for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6

Lower the flame to medium and cook for 4-5 minutes.

Step 7

Turn off the flame and transfer the chicken pieces to a plate.

Step 1

In a heavy-bottom pan/karahi/handi, heat oil on medium heat and add cinnamon sticks and bay leaves and stir for a few seconds.

Step 2

Add chopped onions and sauté them till they are brown in colour.

Step 3

Add 1tbsp of yogurt/curd and cook for 2 minutes while stirring constantly.

Step 4

Add the prepared walnut paste while continuously stirring so that the paste does not stick to the bottom of the pan.

Step 5

Add 0.5 cup of water (more water can be added if you require a thinner consistency of the gravy). Bring the mixture to a boil and add pomegranate concentrate.

Step 6

Add salt, turmeric, red chilli powder, coriander powder, kashmiri red chilli powder and let it cook for 2-3 minutes.

Step 7

Add the seared chicken to the gravy and mix well. Cook for about 8-10 minutes or till the chicken is done.

Step 8

Plate the chicken drumsticks in a platter and garnish with roasted walnuts, pomegranate arils and coriander. Serve hot with roti or naan.

If mint leaves are not available, you can substitute with coriander leaves.

Cutting light slits in chicken before marinating helps the flavour seep through the meat.

How do I properly marinate Pomegranate Walnut Chicken Drumsticks for the best flavor?

To achieve the best flavor, make a paste using mint leaves, green chillies, ginger, garlic, oil, and salt. Coat the chicken drumsticks evenly with this paste and refrigerate for at least an hour. For optimal results, marinate the chicken overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.

What are some good side dishes to serve with Pomegranate Walnut Chicken Drumsticks?

These chicken drumsticks pair beautifully with roti or naan. You can also serve them with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad to balance the rich flavors of the dish. Consider adding a yogurt-based dip for extra creaminess.

Can I make substitutions for the ingredients in the Pomegranate Walnut Chicken Drumsticks recipe?

Yes, you can make several substitutions. If you don't have walnuts, you can use pecans or almonds instead. For the yogurt, a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt can work well. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of green chillies or use sweet paprika instead of red chilli powder.

How should I store leftover Pomegranate Walnut Chicken Drumsticks?

Store any leftover chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also reheat them on the stovetop in a pan with a little water to keep them moist.

Is this Pomegranate Walnut Chicken Drumsticks recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat or gluten-based ingredients. Just ensure that any additional sides or condiments you serve with it are also gluten-free to maintain dietary compatibility.