Kashmiri Style Kokur Yakhni – Chicken in Yogurt Gravy
Kokur Yakhni is a beloved Kashmiri dish that features tender chicken (kokur) slow-cooked in a rich, spiced yogurt gravy. Itβs a flavorful dish, perfect for special occasions, and an essential part of Kashmiri Wazwan. The aromatic blend of Kashmiri spices and the refreshing flavor of dry mint leaves gives this dish a unique and unforgettable taste. Served with steamed rice, this dish is a true delight.
Cuisine: Kashmiri
Course: Lunch
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients:
- 1 kg Chicken (cut into medium pieces)
- 1/2 cup Mustard oil
- Ghee (as required)
- 1-1/2 kg Curd (Dahi / Yogurt)
- 2-inch Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini)
- 2-3 Black cardamom (Badi Elaichi)
- 3-4 Cloves (Laung)
- 2 teaspoons Asafoetida (hing)
- 2 Bay leaves (tej patta)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds (Jeera)
- 1-1/2 teaspoons Fennel Powder
- Salt (to taste)
- 1/2 cup Dry Mint Leaves (Pudina)
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Wash the chicken thoroughly and drain any excess water.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat mustard oil in a pressure cooker. Add the chicken pieces, along with salt, fennel powder, crushed black cardamom, asafoetida, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves. Fry on high heat for about 5 minutes.
- Pressure Cook: Add 1/2 a glass of water to the chicken, stir well, and cook for 1-2 whistles. Turn off the heat and set aside.
- Cook the Yogurt Gravy: In a separate wok or kadai, heat some ghee. Add cumin seeds and cloves and let them sizzle on low heat. Gradually add the well-whisked curd (yogurt) and increase the heat to high. Stir continuously to avoid curdling. Keep stirring until the yogurt begins to boil.
- Combine Chicken and Yogurt: Add the cooked chicken, along with its spices, and the remaining pure ghee into the yogurt gravy. Let the curry cook for another 5-8 minutes, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
- Final Touch: Turn off the gas and generously sprinkle crushed dry mint leaves on top for a burst of flavor.
- Serving: Serve this aromatic Kashmiri Kokur Yakhni with steamed rice and a refreshing Kachumber salad for a wholesome meal.
Enjoy the taste of Kashmiri hospitality with this easy-to-make yet exquisite dish!
