Chicken Barra: An Indulgent Mughlai Kebab For Dinner

Chicken barra is a delicious and flavorful Indian dish that combines succulent pieces of chicken with a rich and aromatic gravy. This dish is a staple of Indian cuisine and is a popular choice for both casual family dinners and special occasions. The name "barra" refers to the marinated and roasted pieces of chicken, which are then simmered in a creamy and flavorful gravy. The dish is typically served with rice, naan or roti.

To make chicken barra, you will need a few key ingredients, including chicken, yoghurt, spices, onions, and tomatoes. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of yoghurt and spices for several hours, which helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavour.

The gravy is made by sautéing onions and tomatoes in a blend of spices, and then simmering the mixture with the marinated chicken until the sauce is thick and creamy.

Ingredients:

  • 500 gms boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup plain yoghurt
  • 1 cup cashew nuts
  • 1 tsp ginger paste
  • 1 tsp garlic paste
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder
  • ½ tsp red chilli powder
  • ½ tsp garam masala powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped

Method:

  • In a large bowl, combine the yoghurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Mix well.
  • Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, and toss to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot, and sauté for another 3-4 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft and pulpy.
  • Add the marinated chicken and any remaining marinade to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
  • Grind the cashews to a thick paste and add it to the pot.
  • Add the water to the pot, and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through.
  • Garnish the chicken barra with fresh coriander, and serve hot with rice or naan.