Exploring the Spice Route: Homemade Indian Chicken Curry

Indian cuisine is a tapestry of flavors and aromas, and one dish that stands out is Chicken Curry. This classic Indian curry is a rich and savory blend of spices that is both comforting and exciting to the taste buds. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to create your own homemade Indian Chicken Curry, allowing you to explore the diverse and vibrant world of Indian spices.

**Ingredients**:

*For the Chicken Marinade*:
- 1 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup of plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon of ginger garlic paste (or minced ginger and garlic)
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder (adjust for spice preference)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

*For the Curry*:
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons of garam masala
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder (adjust for spice preference)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

**Instructions**:

**For the Chicken Marinade**:

1. In a bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger garlic paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, chili powder, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and vegetable oil. Mix to form a smooth marinade.

2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but preferably for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld.

**For Making Chicken Curry**:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent.

2. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger and cook for a minute until fragrant.

3. Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and chili powder to the pan. Cook the spices for a couple of minutes until they are aromatic.

4. Pour in the diced tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.

5. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan and cook until they are browned on the outside.

6. Pour in the water and heavy cream, stirring to combine.

7. Simmer the curry for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

8. Garnish your homemade Indian Chicken Curry with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.

Now, you can explore the diverse and vibrant world of Indian spices with your homemade Chicken Curry. This rich and savory dish is a delightful representation of Indian cuisine, and it's perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy the flavors and aromas of India right in your own kitchen! बड़ी स्वादिष्ट! (Badi swadisht, which means "very delicious" in Hindi)