Description
Peshawari Chicken Karahi is a flavorful Pakistani dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a fragrant, spiced sauce made with tomatoes, yogurt, ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Served with naan or rice, this dish is rich, aromatic, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) chicken, cut into pieces (with bone or boneless, based on preference)
3 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely sliced
2 tablespoons ginger, minced
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
4–5 tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2–3 green chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to heat preference)
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
Salt, to taste
Fresh cilantro (coriander leaves), chopped (for garnish)
1 teaspoon crushed fenugreek leaves (optional, for extra flavor)
Fresh ginger slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the oil: Heat ghee or oil in a large karahi or deep pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown and soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cook the ginger and garlic: Add the minced ginger and garlic to the pan. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pan and brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes to lock in flavors.
- Add the tomatoes and spices: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, ground cumin, coriander, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook for 5 minutes until the tomatoes release their juices.
- Add the yogurt: Lower the heat and add yogurt to the pan, stirring gently. Cook for another 5 minutes to blend the yogurt into the sauce.
- Simmer the chicken: Add green chilies and about 1/2 cup of water to the pan. Stir, cover, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Add more water if the sauce thickens too much.
- Finish with garam masala: Once the chicken is cooked, sprinkle garam masala and, if using, fenugreek leaves. Stir well to combine.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and ginger slices. Serve hot with naan, paratha, or steamed rice.
Notes
- Spicy version: Add more green chilies or red chili powder to increase the heat.
- Boneless chicken: Use chicken breasts or thighs, but adjust the cooking time as boneless pieces cook faster.
- Richness: Add crushed cashews or almonds for extra creaminess.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Pakistani
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg