Chicken Bhuna

 

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup vegetable oil, divided
• 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1" cubes
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons minced ginger
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and diced
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon cardamom
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 cherry tomatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ⅓ cup water
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• Fresh lemon juice, as needed

Instructions:

1. Brown the Chicken:

   • Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chicken in batches, cooking until browned on each side, about 3 minutes per side. Remove the browned chicken and set aside.

2. Cook the Aromatics:

   • Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining oil to the pot.
   • Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
   • Add the minced ginger, garlic, and diced jalapeño. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add Spices and Tomatoes:

   • Stir in the chili powder, cumin, coriander, cardamom, garam masala, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 1 minute to toast the spices.
   • Add the diced cherry tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.

4. Simmer the Chicken:

   • Return the browned chicken to the pot. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has slightly reduced.

5. Finish and Serve:

   • Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice. Adjust seasoning with more salt or lemon juice as needed.

Tips:

• Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are ideal for this recipe due to their tenderness and flavor. If using bone-in thighs, increase cooking time.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño based on your heat preference. You can also use more or less chili powder depending on how spicy you like your dishes.
• Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce more. If it gets too thick, add a bit more water to reach your desired consistency.

This dish pairs well with rice or naan and makes for a comforting and flavorful meal. Enjoy!