Saagwala Chicken (Palak Chicken Curry) Recipe: A Flavorful North Indian Delight
Description:
Indulge in the wholesome goodness of Saagwala Chicken, a vibrant and flavorful North Indian curry made with tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, spiced spinach gravy. Infused with aromatic spices and finished with a touch of cream, this dish brings together the earthy flavors of spinach with the savory richness of chicken, making it the perfect comforting meal. Serve it with warm naan or steamed rice for an unforgettable feast.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken (boneless, cut into pieces) | 350 grams |
| Spinach (roughly chopped) | 300 grams |
| Ajwain (Carom seeds) | 1 teaspoon |
| Ghee | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 6 cloves |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 2 |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 2-inch piece |
| Cloves (Laung) | 3 |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 2-inch piece |
| Green Chilies | 2 |
| Onion (thinly sliced) | 2 |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh Cream | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~300 kcal |
| Protein | ~30 grams |
| Carbohydrates | ~12 grams |
| Fat | ~18 grams |
| Fiber | ~3 grams |
| Sodium | ~500 mg |
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken and Spinach:
- Start by cleaning and washing the chicken pieces thoroughly. Cut the chicken into small to medium-sized pieces and set aside. If you prefer, you can use chicken legs as well.
- For the spinach, place the chopped spinach, green chilies, and 2 tablespoons of water into a pressure cooker. Cook it for 1 whistle on medium heat, then turn off the heat and immediately release the pressure by running the cooker under cold water.
- Open the cooker once the pressure has been released. Allow the spinach to cool down completely before transferring it to a mixer grinder. Grind the spinach into a smooth puree and set it aside.
-
-
Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or skillet. Once the ghee is hot, add ajwain (carom seeds), cloves, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods. Sauté the spices for about 10 seconds until fragrant.
- Add finely chopped ginger, garlic, and onions to the pan. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and soft, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
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Cook the Chicken:
- Add the chicken pieces to the pan along with salt, red chili powder, and garam masala powder. Stir well to coat the chicken with the spices.
- Cover the pan and cook the chicken on low heat for 12-15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked. If needed, add a little water to prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan or to form a little more gravy. Stir occasionally and cook until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
-
Add the Spinach Puree and Cream:
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, add the prepared spinach puree to the pan. Stir to combine the spinach with the chicken, ensuring the chicken is well coated with the spinach gravy.
- Add the fresh cream and stir again. Let the curry simmer on low heat for about 4-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The gravy should thicken slightly, creating a creamy and flavorful sauce.
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Final Adjustments:
- Taste the curry and adjust the salt or spices as needed. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can add a little more cream at this stage.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the Saagwala Chicken is ready, transfer it to a serving dish. Serve it hot with Burani Raita, Butter Garlic Naan, or steamed rice for a complete meal. A side of Kachumber Salad adds a refreshing crunch to balance the richness of the curry.
Tips for the Perfect Saagwala Chicken:
- Spinach Preparation: It’s essential to cook the spinach quickly to retain its vibrant green color. Avoid overcooking the spinach to keep the puree fresh and bright.
- Cream Variations: For a lighter version, you can replace fresh cream with low-fat yogurt or coconut cream.
- Spice Adjustments: If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add extra green chilies or a pinch of red chili powder during the cooking process.
Why You’ll Love This Saagwala Chicken:
This Saagwala Chicken recipe is the epitome of comfort food with a healthy twist. Spinach, packed with iron and vitamins, enhances the flavor profile while contributing to the dish’s nutritional value. The tender chicken pieces in a spiced spinach gravy create a satisfying and hearty meal perfect for a family dinner or special occasions. Whether paired with naan or rice, this dish is sure to leave everyone craving more.
Enjoy this nourishing and delicious Saagwala Chicken for a meal that’s not just good for the soul but also incredibly flavorful and easy to prepare!
Keywords: Saagwala Chicken, Palak Chicken, North Indian Curry, Spinach Chicken Curry, High Protein Non-Vegetarian, Chicken with Spinach, Easy Chicken Recipes, Indian Curry, Comfort Food, Spicy Chicken Curry.
