Murgh Musallam Recipe – Masala Roasted Chicken
Welcome to the delightful world of Murgh Musallam, a dish that embodies the rich and vibrant flavors of North Indian cuisine. This masala roasted chicken is not only a feast for the senses but also a wonderful way to impress your family and friends at your next gathering. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey filled with aromatic spices, tender chicken, and creamy yogurt that melds beautifully to create a truly unforgettable meal.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this flavorful dish. The following table provides a comprehensive list of ingredients along with their quantities:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken drumstick | 2 |
| Ginger (chopped) | 1 inch |
| Garlic (chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Onion (sliced) | 2 |
| Cashew nuts (soaked in warm water) | 4 tablespoons |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1 cup |
| Salt | to taste |
| Sunflower oil | as needed |
| Coriander seeds | 1 tablespoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) pods/seeds | 1 |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 |
| Black cardamom (Badi Elaichi) | 1 |
| Mace (Javitri) | 1 |
| Nutmeg | 1/4 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information
To provide a better understanding of the nutritional value of this dish, here is a quick overview of its key nutritional components. This will help you make informed choices for your meal planning.
| Nutritional Component | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 350 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Time (minutes) |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 60 |
| Cooking | 45 |
| Total Time | 105 |
Instructions
Now that you have gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to dive into the preparation of this exquisite Murgh Musallam. Follow these detailed steps to ensure that your chicken turns out perfectly:
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Prepare the Chicken: Begin by thoroughly washing and cleaning the chicken drumsticks under cold running water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial for ensuring a well-marinated chicken that cooks evenly.
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Soak Cashew Nuts: Place the cashew nuts in a bowl of warm water and let them soak while you prepare the other ingredients. This will soften them, making it easier to blend into a smooth paste later.
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Roast Whole Spices: In a small skillet over low heat, roast the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, cardamom pods, cloves, black cardamom, mace, and nutmeg for about 4-6 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning, until the spices become fragrant. Once roasted, turn off the flame and allow them to cool.
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Make the Spice Paste: In a spice grinder or food processor, combine the cooled whole spices, soaked cashew nuts, chopped ginger, and garlic. Grind until you achieve a smooth paste. This aromatic blend will serve as the base for your marinade.
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Sauté Onions: In a kadai or deep skillet, heat a generous amount of sunflower oil over medium flame. Add the sliced onions and sauté them until they turn golden brown, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once golden, turn off the flame and allow the onions to cool.
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Prepare Onion Paste: Transfer the cooled onions to the spice grinder and blend them into a smooth paste. This onion paste will add depth and richness to your dish.
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Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken drumsticks, the ground cashew nuts and spice mixture, the onion paste, and the yogurt. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring that each piece of chicken is well coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour; overnight marination is even better for enhanced flavor.
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Cook the Chicken: After marination, heat a flat skillet or griddle over medium flame and add a bit more sunflower oil. Once hot, place the marinated chicken pieces in the skillet. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. You may add a little salt to taste during cooking.
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Cover for Efficiency: To expedite the cooking process, cover the skillet with a lid. This will help retain moisture, ensuring the chicken remains tender and juicy.
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Serve: Once cooked through and tender, remove the chicken from the skillet and serve your delicious Murgh Musallam hot. It pairs beautifully with Pudina Dahi Chutney (mint yogurt dip), Pickled Onions, and a refreshing Apple and Ginger Cocktail.
Conclusion
Murgh Musallam is more than just a meal; it is an experience steeped in tradition and flavor. Each bite reveals the rich tapestry of spices and the succulent tenderness of chicken, making it a standout dish for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or an intimate dinner, this masala roasted chicken is sure to leave a lasting impression. Enjoy the journey of flavors and the joy of cooking with love!
