Desi Gravy Chicken – Tapelu Chicken

Ingredients  

Gravy Desi Chicken Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken, skin removed and cut into small pieces (use 3-4 pounds of drumsticks and thighs as an alternative)
• 2 large beef steak tomatoes, food processed or chopped finely
• 2 large red or yellow onion, food processed or chopped finely
• 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, grated
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
• 3 tablespoon coriander powder
• ½ teaspoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
• 1 cup water
• salt
• red chili powder

Tempered Oil Spices

• peanut or corn oil
• 2 tablespoon cumin seeds, whole
• 4 cloves, whole
• 10-15 black peppercorns, whole
• 1 cinnamon stick, small
• 2 bay leaves, large
• 1 star anise
• 5 cardamom pods
• dried red chilies, whole

Instructions 

• In a large wide bottom pot, heat a generous amount of oil.
• Once the oil is warm, add the cumin seeds and the whole spices listed under “tempered oil”.
• Allow them to cook for just a few seconds (be careful not to over cook the spices)
• Immediately add the chopped onions and mix.
• Cook on medium heat until the onions are translucent and soft.
• Add the chopped tomatoes.
• Mix and cook for about 2 minutes.
• Add the coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, ginger, garlic, salt tomato paste (optional) and garam masala.
• Mix and cook until the gravy is completely dry and you begin to see the oil (about 5-10 minutes)
• Add the chicken to the pot along with the water and mix well.
• Close the lid and let the chicken come to a boil for about 5 minutes.
• Now, lower the heat, mix the chicken, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes on low heat – mixing frequently.
• After 30 minutes, turn off the heat and let the pot + chicken cool down (without mixing) for about 30 minutes. This step is very important.
• Open the lid and garnish with cilantro.
• Gently mix the pot and enjoy!