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Tag: black cumin seeds

Chicken with Almond and Cilantro Curry

  • 1 pound chicken thighs, skinless and boneless, cut into 2 inch pieces
  • ½ cup full fat yogurt
  • ¼ cup half and half
  • ¼ cup fresh mint
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro
  • 2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and cut
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 2 teaspoons salt

Add the yogurt, half and half, mint, cilantro, ginger, garam masala and salt to a blender and blend till a smooth sauce is formed. Transfer to a mixing bowl with the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 2 to 3 hours, preferably over night.

  • ½ cup slivered almonds
  • ½ cup hot water

Soak the almonds in the hot water for an hour and then place in a blender and blend till a smooth paste is formed, keep aside.

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ½ teaspoon mace
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon black cumin seeds
  • 1 cinnamon stick, ½ inch
  • 1 medium onion, chopped

Heat a heavy saucepan with the butter. Add the mace, nutmeg, black cumin seeds and cinnamon stick. Saute on medium heat for 30 seconds. Add the onion and sauté on medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the almond paste and sauté for another 4 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the chicken with the marinade and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and cover with lid and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Take the lid off and check for seasonings. Turn the heat up to cook off any excess moisture. Mix well and serve warm with rice or rotis.

Chicken Korma

Chicken Korma

  • 1½ skinless chicken thighs, cut into ½ inch pieces

Marinade

  • 1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup low-fat sour cream
  • ¼ cup half and half
  • ½ medium yellow onion, minced
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 inch ginger, grated
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Mix the yogurt, sour cream, half and half, onion, garlic, ginger, salt and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 2 to 3 hours if not over night.

  • ½ cup cashews soaked over night in ½ cup hot water

Blend the cashews with the water into a paste. Keep aside.

  • 2 tablespoons extra light olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon black cumin seeds (shaahi zeera)
  • 2 green cardamoms, crushed
  • 1 ½ inch cinnamon stick
  • 3 to 4 cloves, crushed
  • 1 large or 2 small yellow onions, minced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup cilantro, chopped

Heat a deep saucepan with the oil. Add the cumin, cardamom, cinnamon and cloves. Cook on medium heat for about 30 seconds. Add the onions, garlic, cashew paste and cook medium heat for at least 20 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the chicken with the marinade and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and cover and cook for 20 to 30 minutes. Check every 10 minutes, making sure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. Take the lid off and turn the heat up to medium high and let the excess moisture evaporate- another 10 minutes stirring constantly. Check for seasonings and garnish with cilantro.

Morel Mushroom Rice Pulao

Morel Rice Pulao I never knew morel mushrooms are used in Indian cuisine. I was talking to my Mom about cooking for some friends who are vegetarian and I wanted to make a rice dish with mushrooms. She told me about how many years ago, this rice dish was served at very fancy weddings. Especially since morels are and were very expensive to buy so only the very wealthy could afford to serve them.

I was very surprised to hear that morels are used back home- I usually associate the mushrooms with Italian cuisine. Anyway, she explained to me how the rice dish is made and I replicated it with very good results. I used dried morels and reconstituted them in some hot water. I also managed to find mushroom broth which elevated the flavor factor by many notches.

Overall, it was a delicious dish- especially served with a variety of vegetarian dishes.
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