Dive into the delicious world of Chicken Karahi with these 10 exquisite recipes! From classic and traditional Chicken Karahi to modern and innovative variations, this collection features a variety of Chicken Karahi recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, these easy-to-follow recipes will guide you through the process of creating a flavorful and aromatic Chicken Karahi that you’ll want to make again and again. Get ready to explore the best Chicken Karahi recipes and discover your new favorite!
Beef Karahi with Black Pepper
This recipe guides you through making a flavorful and aromatic Beef Karahi seasoned with black pepper. The dish features tender beef cubes simmered in a rich gravy of tomatoes, yogurt, and spices. It’s a perfect comfort food for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups oil
- 1 tbsp. ginger-garlic paste
- 1 kg beef, cubed
- 4 green chilies, chopped, divided
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 cups water, divided
- 2 tbsp. black pepper powder
- 3 tomatoes, skinless, chopped
- 1 tbsp. ghee
- 4 tbsp. yogurt
- 2 tbsp. cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: In a wok or large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add ginger-garlic paste and fry for 20 seconds until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add the beef cubes and cook until they change color and are lightly browned on all sides.
- Tenderize the Beef: Add salt and 1 cup of water, along with 2 chopped green chilies. Mix well, cover the wok, and cook until the beef is tender. This may take some time depending on the cut of beef.
- Build the Sauce: Add black pepper powder, ghee, chopped tomatoes, and the remaining 1 cup of water. Mix thoroughly, cover, and cook until the tomatoes break down and form a mushy sauce.
- Finish the Karahi: Stir in the yogurt and the remaining 2 chopped green chilies. Cook for a few more minutes until the karahi reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan bread.
Creamy Malai Chicken Karahi
This recipe guides you through making a delicious and creamy Malai Chicken Karahi. It’s a flavorful dish featuring tender chicken in a rich, aromatic sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken: 900g
Fried Onions: 1/2 cup
Ginger-Garlic Paste: 1 tbsp
Cumin Powder: 1/2 tsp
Garam Masala Powder: 1/2 tsp
Salt: To taste
Oil: As needed
Malai Masala (Creamy Sauce):
Cilantro: 1/2 bunch
Green Chilies: 2-3
Yogurt: 2 cups
Fresh Cream: 2 cups
Instructions
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Prepare the Malai Masala: Blend all the malai masala ingredients (cilantro, green chilies, yogurt, and fresh cream) together until smooth. Set aside.
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Sauté the Chicken: Heat oil in a pot or karahi. Add the chicken, fried onions, ginger-garlic paste, cumin powder, garam masala, and salt. Sauté for 7-10 minutes, or until the chicken browns slightly.
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Simmer in Malai Masala: Pour the prepared malai masala into the pot with the chicken. Cook on high heat for 2 minutes, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked. Stir occasionally. The dish is ready when the oil starts to separate from the sauce.
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Optional Smokey Flavor: For a smoky flavor, carefully place a lit piece of charcoal in a small heat-safe bowl. Add a teaspoon of ghee to the charcoal. Place this bowl inside the pot with the chicken. Cover immediately and let the smoke infuse the dish for 1-2 minutes. Use caution when working with hot charcoal.
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Serve: Serve the Malai Chicken Karahi hot with basmati rice or roti.
Easy & Delicious Chicken Karahi
This recipe provides a simple and flavorful way to make Chicken Karahi. With minimal ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a delicious and aromatic dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut as needed
- Oil
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons Chicken Karahi Shan Masala (or your preferred brand)
- 6 tomatoes
- Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
- Green chilies (optional, for added spice)
- Chopped ginger (optional, for enhanced flavor)
Instructions
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Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the Chicken Karahi Shan Masala and salt. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the spices.
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Fry the chicken: Heat oil in a large pot or pan over high heat. Add the marinated chicken and fry until the water evaporates and the chicken is browned on all sides.
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Cook the tomatoes: In a separate pan, cook the tomatoes until they soften and become pulpy. You can blend or crush them for a smoother consistency if desired.
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Combine chicken and tomatoes: Add the cooked tomatoes to the pan with the chicken. Mix well and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Garnish and serve: Garnish the Chicken Karahi with fresh coriander leaves, and optionally chopped green chilies and ginger for an extra layer of flavor and spice. Serve hot with rice or naan bread.
Delicious Mutton Karahi
This recipe provides a simple and flavorful method for preparing a classic Mutton Karahi. It utilizes the convenience of an Instant Pot for tenderizing the mutton, resulting in a rich and satisfying dish. Follow the steps below to create this aromatic and delicious meal.
Ingredients
- Mutton
- 6 Tomatoes
- Salt
- Oil
Instructions
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Pressure Cook the Mutton: In your Instant Pot, combine the mutton, salt, and 3 chopped tomatoes. Pressure cook on the “Meat” setting for 35 minutes. This ensures the mutton becomes incredibly tender.
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Sauté Remaining Tomatoes: While the mutton is pressure cooking, sauté the remaining 3 chopped tomatoes in a pan until softened. This will create the base of the flavorful karahi sauce.
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Brown the Mutton: Once the mutton is cooked, drain the excess liquid. In the same pan used for the tomatoes, brown the mutton until it’s nicely seared and the oil starts to separate. This step adds depth of flavor and a beautiful texture to the dish.
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Combine and Simmer: Add the sautéed tomatoes to the pan with the browned mutton. Mix well and simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your delicious Mutton Karahi hot with naan bread and refreshing raita.
Chicken Karahi: A Simple & Delicious Recipe
This recipe provides a quick and easy way to make a flavorful Chicken Karahi. With a handful of readily available ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious and aromatic dish.
Ingredients
- Chicken (as needed)
- Salt (to taste)
- Oil (for cooking)
- 5 Tomatoes
- Green chilies (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons Chicken Tandoori Masala
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Paste
- 1 tablespoon Vinegar
- 1/2 cup Yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
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In a bowl, combine the chicken, salt, chicken tandoori masala, garlic paste, vinegar, yogurt, lemon juice, coriander powder, cumin powder, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure the chicken is well marinated.
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Heat oil in a pan over high heat. Add the marinated chicken and fry for 10 minutes. In a separate pan, cook the tomatoes until softened. Add the cooked tomatoes to the chicken and mix well. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Your delicious Chicken Karahi is ready! Garnish with green chilies and serve hot. Enjoy!
Delicious Kadai/Karahi Chicken
This recipe guides you through making a flavorful and aromatic Kadai/Karahi Chicken. The dish features tender chicken cooked in a rich, spiced gravy, perfect for enjoying with roti, naan, or rice.
Ingredients
For the Dry Roast:
- 5 dry chilies
- 1 tablespoon peppercorns
- 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1/2 tablespoon turmeric powder
For the Chicken:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes
- Fresh ginger-garlic paste (amount to taste)
- 2 cardamom pods
- 5 green chilies
- Kewra water (a few drops)
- Julienned ginger (for garnish)
- 4 tablespoons cooking oil
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or curd
- Chicken (amount based on preference)
Instructions
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Dry Roast and Grind: Dry roast the dry chilies, peppercorns, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, garam masala, and turmeric powder. Once fragrant, grind them coarsely.
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Sauté Onions: Heat the cooking oil in a pan. Add the chopped onions and cook until golden brown.
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Cook Tomatoes: Add the tomatoes to the pan and cook until they soften and release their juices.
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Spice Mixture: Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook well. Then, add the coarsely ground dry spice mixture.
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Add Chicken and Yogurt: Mix the spices thoroughly and add a little water if needed. Add the chicken pieces and mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk the yogurt with a little water to create a thin consistency. Pour this yogurt mixture into the pan.
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Simmer: Cook the chicken for 20 minutes over medium heat. Then, add the kewra water, green chilies, and cardamom pods.
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Final Cooking: Continue cooking for another 30 minutes over medium heat, or alternatively, pressure cook for 3 whistles until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
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Serve: Garnish with julienned ginger and serve hot with your choice of paratha, bread, chapati, roti, or rice.
Classic Mutton Karahi
This recipe guides you through making a delicious and authentic Mutton Karahi. From tenderizing the meat to creating a rich and flavorful sauce, you’ll learn how to prepare this classic dish step-by-step.
Ingredients
- Mutton (mixed cuts): 1 1/2 kg
- Water: 2 glasses
- Ginger-garlic paste: 2 tbsp
- Tomatoes: 6
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup
- Green chilies: 6
- Oil: 1 cup
- Meat tenderizer: 1 tbsp
- Salt: to taste
- Red chili powder: 2 tbsp
- Black pepper powder: 1 tbsp
- Ginger (julienned): for garnish
- Lemon wedges: for garnish
- Coriander leaves: for garnish
Instructions
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Combine and Tenderize: In a large pan or karahi, combine the mutton, water, and ginger-garlic paste. Add the meat tenderizer and cook for 30 minutes on medium-low heat.
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Evaporate and Brown: Increase the heat to high and cook until all the water evaporates. Add the oil and fry the mutton for 5 minutes until lightly browned.
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Sauté Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes to the karahi and cook for 5 minutes on low heat until softened.
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Prepare Tomato Base: Remove the skin from the tomatoes (if desired) and gently mash them. Add the cherry tomatoes and green chilies, and cook for another 5 minutes.
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Spice and Simmer: Add salt, red chili powder, and black pepper powder. Cook for 5 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Serve: Garnish with julienned ginger, lemon wedges, and coriander leaves. Serve hot with Tandoor ki Roti or naan.
Spicy Potato Karahi (Aloo Karahi Masaly Wali)
This recipe guides you through making a delicious and flavorful Spicy Potato Karahi, also known as Aloo Karahi Masaly Wali. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 potatoes
- 2 green chilies
- 3 tbsp yogurt
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/4 tsp ground garam masala
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder (Haldi)
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder
- Coriander leaves for garnish
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste (Adrak lesan)
- 1 onion
- 1 tomato
- 1/2 tsp chaat masala
- Salt to taste
Instructions
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Sauté the Onion: Chop the onion finely and cook it in oil until light brown.
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Add Ginger-Garlic Paste and Spices: Add the ginger-garlic paste to the browned onions and cook for 2 minutes. In a separate bowl, mix the yogurt with all the dry spices (red chili powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, and coriander powder).
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Add Tomato and Yogurt Mixture: Add the chopped tomato to the onion and ginger-garlic mixture. Then, add the yogurt-spice mixture and mix well. Cook until the mixture is fragrant and the oil starts to separate.
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Add Potatoes and Water: Chop the potatoes into round slices. Add them to the spice mixture and mix thoroughly. Add a glass of water, cover, and cook until the potatoes are tender.
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Garnish and Serve: Once the potatoes are cooked, garnish with green chilies and coriander leaves. Serve hot and enjoy!
Highway Style Chicken Karahi
This recipe guides you through making a delicious and authentic Highway Style Chicken Karahi. This dish is known for its rich, spicy flavor and tender chicken. Follow these easy steps to create this flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 Chicken
- 2 Blended Tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp Red Chili Powder
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Garam Masala
- 1 tsp Coriander Powder
- Salt to Taste
- 5 Green Chilies
- Coriander Leaves for Garnish
- 1 tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
Instructions
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Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a karahi or pot and add the chicken pieces. Cook until they are lightly browned.
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Add Aromatics: After 3 minutes, add the slit green chilies and ginger-garlic paste. Cook for a few minutes until fragrant.
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Incorporate Tomatoes: Add the blended tomatoes and mix well. Cook until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
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Spice it Up: Add the red chili powder, black pepper, garam masala, coriander powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
Delicious Chicken Kalije Karahi
This recipe guides you through making a flavorful and aromatic Chicken Kalije Karahi. With a blend of spices and fresh ingredients, this dish is sure to be a family favorite. Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-quality karahi in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1/2 kg Chicken Kalije (Chicken Gizzards)
- 3 Tomatoes
- 1 tsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
- 4 Green Chilies
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp Red Chili Powder
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin (Pisa Garam Masala)
- 1/2 tsp Chicken Tikka Masala
- Coriander Leaves for garnish
- 1 Lemon for garnish
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds (Zeera)
Instructions
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Prepare the tomatoes: Wash the chicken gizzards thoroughly. Slice the tomatoes. Heat oil in a karahi or pot, add the sliced tomatoes and cook until softened.
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Sauté aromatics and spices: Once the tomatoes are soft, mash them. Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute. Then, add the red chili powder, ground cumin, and chicken tikka masala. Mix well.
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Add chicken gizzards and chilies: Add the green chilies to the spice mixture and stir. Now, add the washed chicken gizzards to the karahi.
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Cook and garnish: Cook the chicken gizzards until they are tender and cooked through. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves, ginger slices, and lemon wedges. Serve hot and enjoy!
History of Karahi
The karahi, both a cooking vessel and the name of the dish prepared within it, has a rich history rooted in the Indian subcontinent. While pinpointing its exact origins is difficult, it’s generally believed to have emerged in the northwest regions, particularly areas now part of Pakistan and India. Traditionally, the karahi was made of cast iron or thick-bottomed steel, ideal for slow-cooking and imparting a unique smoky flavor to the food.
The word “karahi” itself refers to the wok-like pot, traditionally round and deep. These were, and often still are, placed directly over hot coals or open flames. This method of cooking contributes to the distinctive char and caramelization of ingredients, a hallmark of many karahi dishes. This cooking technique was particularly well-suited to nomadic and rural communities where open-fire cooking was commonplace.
Over time, the karahi evolved alongside the culinary traditions of the region. Different communities adapted the basic principles of karahi cooking, incorporating regional spices, ingredients, and cooking styles. While meat, particularly chicken and lamb, remains a popular choice, vegetarian variations featuring potatoes, chickpeas, and other vegetables have also gained prominence.
Today, the karahi remains a beloved dish enjoyed across South Asia and its diaspora. From humble street food stalls to upscale restaurants, the karahi’s enduring popularity speaks to its versatility and the rich flavors it delivers. Whether enjoyed with naan, roti, or rice, the karahi offers a truly unique and satisfying culinary experience, reflecting its long and storied past.
Nutritional Content and Benefits of Karahi
While the exact nutritional content of Chicken Karahi varies depending on the specific ingredients and preparation methods, it generally offers a good source of protein from the chicken. This protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and maintaining healthy hair and nails.
Chicken Karahi also provides essential vitamins and minerals. Chicken is a good source of niacin, selenium, and vitamin B6. The tomatoes in the dish contribute vitamin C and antioxidants like lycopene. The spices, such as ginger and garlic, offer additional health benefits, potentially including anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Onions contribute vitamin C and various antioxidants.
It’s important to note that the cooking method and the amount of oil used can significantly impact the fat content of Karahi. Traditional recipes often use generous amounts of oil or ghee, which can contribute to a higher calorie and saturated fat intake. Being mindful of portion sizes and opting for leaner cuts of chicken can help manage the overall fat content.
The use of spices in Chicken Karahi not only enhances the flavor but may also contribute to health benefits. Ginger, garlic, chili peppers, and turmeric are commonly used and are known for their potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive properties.
Overall, Chicken Karahi can be a part of a balanced diet. Focusing on lean protein sources, controlling portion sizes, and being mindful of the oil used during preparation can maximize the nutritional benefits of this flavorful dish.
Tips for Choosing Quality Ingredients for Karahi
Choosing the right ingredients is crucial for a truly delicious Chicken Karahi. Freshness is key. Look for vibrant, plump tomatoes with smooth skin and no blemishes. For a richer flavor, consider using vine-ripened tomatoes.
When selecting ginger and garlic, ensure they’re firm and have a strong aroma. Freshly ground spices will significantly enhance the flavor profile of your karahi. Opt for whole spices whenever possible and grind them just before use. This ensures maximum flavor and aroma.
The chicken is the star of the dish, so choose wisely. Free-range chicken often offers better flavor and texture. Select cuts with bone-in for optimal flavor and moisture retention during cooking. Chicken thighs and drumsticks are excellent choices.
Finally, don’t overlook the importance of good quality cooking oil. Mustard oil or ghee are traditional choices that lend authentic flavor. Using good quality oil not only enhances the taste but also contributes to a better cooking experience.