Pepper Chicken Recipe
Pepper chicken recipe - simple pepper chicken masala made with basic spices and herbs in south Indian style
Pepper chicken recipe - simple pepper chicken masala made with basic spices and herbs in south Indian style
- 1/8 tsp turmeric
- 1 cup chopped onions
- salt as needed
- 1 stick
- 3 cloves
- â¾ tsp ginger garlic paste or grated
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes (adjust if they are sour)
- 1 tsp pepper corn
- 1/4 tsp. red chili powder
- 3/4 tsp. garam masala powder
- 1 sprig curry leaves or bay leaf or few mint leaves
- 1/2 tsp cumin or shahi jeera
- 2 to 3 green cardamoms
- 2 tbsp. oil (if not a low fat diet increase by another tbsp)
- 500 grams chicken (with bone or boneless)
- â¾ tsp ginger garlic paste or grated
- salt little
- Carbohydrate 4.69558889399973 g
- Cholesterol 80.9833333333333 mg
- Fat 30.6657290383907 g
- Fiber 1.06479056220699 g
- Protein 0.914280913409719 g
- Saturated Fat 19.3803904166542 g
- Serving Size 1 1 to 4 (82g)
- Sodium 273.614041662398 mg
- Sugar 3.63079833179274 g
- Trans Fat 2.16588862178315 g
- Calories 290 calories
Step-by-step
- Wash chicken and drain off the water.
- Marinate chicken with ingredients (as per marination instructions - not provided in this text).
- Keep marinated chicken aside until needed.
- Add oil to a hot pan, add cumin, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom and allow them to sizzle.
- Add curry leaves and ginger garlic paste. Fry till the raw smell of ginger garlic goes off.
- Add onions and fry till they turn golden.
- Add tomatoes and salt. Fry till the tomatoes turn mushy and soft.
- Add red chili powder, garam masala and coarsely crushed pepper corn.
- Fry everything well till the mixture loses all the moisture.
- Add chicken and fry for about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Cover and cook on a low flame till the chicken turns tender. If the chicken doesn't ooze out enough water to cook, then add little water. Cover and cook.
- If you want gravy, switch off the stove.
- If you prefer a dry version, cook without a lid and evaporate the moisture in the chicken. Fry till all the moisture dries up.
- Serve pepper chicken hot with rice and rasam.
A Busy Mom's Go-To Recipe: South Indian Style Pepper Chicken
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind! Between school runs, meetings, and making sure everyone is fed, finding time for elaborate cooking often feels impossible. That's why I rely on simple, flavorful recipes like this South Indian-style pepper chicken. It's quick, delicious, and the whole family loves it. It's the perfect weeknight dinner solution when time is tight but you still want to serve something satisfying and healthy. The beautiful thing about this dish is its versatility. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your family's preference. And it's just as tasty served with fluffy rice as it is with roti or even a simple salad.
The secret to this recipe's success lies in the careful balance of spices. The warm, aromatic notes of cumin, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom blend beautifully with the heat of the chili powder and the satisfying peppercorn crunch. The ginger and garlic paste add a depth of flavor that elevates the dish beyond the ordinary. I usually make a large batch on the weekend and store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for quick lunches or another easy dinner during the week. This saves me so much time, and honestly, the flavors actually improve after a day or two. It's a win-win situation! Making this chicken recipe is a chance for me to unwind, creating a wholesome meal that brings comfort and satisfaction to my family. It's more than just food; it's a gesture of love and care.
Why I Love This Recipe:
- Speed and Simplicity: It comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful and Aromatic: The spice blend is incredibly flavorful and satisfying.
- Versatile: It can be made dry or with gravy, depending on your preference.
- Healthy-ish: It's a relatively healthy option, especially if you use boneless chicken and control the oil.
- Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers are fantastic!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Pepper Chicken:
- Marination is Key: While not explicitly detailed, marinating the chicken in a blend of yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and a bit of salt enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Fresh Spices: Using fresh spices whenever possible makes a noticeable difference in the taste.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili powder.
- Don't Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken is dry chicken. Aim for juicy, tender meat.
- Serve it Up!: This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, roti, naan, or even a fresh green salad.
This recipe has become a staple in my home, a comforting and satisfying meal that I can whip up even on my busiest days. It's a testament to the power of simple, flavorful cooking, and a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, there's always time for a delicious home-cooked meal. It’s the little moments of creating and sharing food that make life richer and more meaningful.
