Kashmiri Kokur Yakhni – Chicken Cooked in Yogurt
Kashmiri Kokur Yakhni is a traditional dish from the beautiful region of Kashmir, known for its aromatic flavors and rich, comforting taste. This recipe features tender chicken slow-cooked in a yogurt-based gravy, enhanced with whole spices and a unique blend of seasonings. Perfect for a hearty lunch, it’s typically enjoyed with steamed rice, boondi raita, and a fresh cucumber salad. Letโs dive into the step-by-step process to recreate this Kashmiri delicacy at home!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken (cut into pieces) | 1 kg |
| Mustard oil | 1/2 cup |
| Ghee (clarified butter) | As needed |
| Yogurt (fresh and thick) | 1/2 kg |
| Cinnamon stick | 2-inch piece |
| Green cardamom | 2 pods |
| Cloves | 4 whole pieces |
| Asafoetida (hing) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Bay leaves | 2 leaves |
| Cumin seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Fennel powder (saunf) | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Dried mint | 1/2 cup |
Preparation Time:
- 30 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 45 minutes
Total Time:
- 75 minutes
Serving Size:
- 4 servings
Cuisine:
- Kashmiri
Course:
- Main course (Lunch)
Diet:
- Non-Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by thoroughly washing the chicken pieces under cold water. This helps remove any impurities and ensures a clean start to the dish. -
-
Cooking the Chicken in the Pressure Cooker:
In a pressure cooker, heat the mustard oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces along with salt, fennel powder, crushed green cardamom, asafoetida, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves. Stir the ingredients well and cook for about 5 minutes on high heat to let the spices infuse into the chicken. -
Add Water & Pressure Cook:
After sautรฉing for 5 minutes, add 1/2 cup of water to the cooker. Close the lid and cook the chicken until the pressure cooker gives 1 or 2 whistles. This ensures the chicken is partially cooked and ready for the next step. -
Prepare the Yakhni Gravy:
In a separate frying pan, heat a little ghee (clarified butter) on medium heat. Once the ghee is melted, add cumin seeds and cloves. Let them sizzle for a few seconds before lowering the heat to medium-low. -
Whisking the Yogurt:
Add the yogurt to the pan. Stir constantly with a spoon to avoid curdling. Keep stirring for 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring the yogurt blends smoothly into the ghee and spices, forming a creamy, aromatic base for the gravy. -
Combine Chicken & Yogurt Mixture:
Now, add the cooked chicken and the pressure-cooked spices into the yogurt gravy. Stir everything well, allowing the chicken to coat in the yogurt and spice mixture. Cook for an additional 5 to 8 minutes on medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Final Touches:
Once the chicken is tender and fully cooked, turn off the heat. Sprinkle the dried mint leaves over the top for a refreshing herbal aroma and flavor. -
Serving Suggestion:
Serve the Kashmiri Kokur Yakhni hot, accompanied by steamed basmati rice, boondi raita (a yogurt-based side dish with crispy fried chickpea flour balls), and a fresh cucumber kachumber salad.
Tips for Perfect Kashmiri Kokur Yakhni:
- Chicken Cuts: Opt for bone-in chicken pieces, as the bones add richness to the flavor of the gravy.
- Yogurt Quality: Use fresh, full-fat yogurt for a creamy texture and better flavor.
- Adjust the Heat: The key to balancing the spices is stirring the yogurt carefully while adding it to avoid curdling. Low and slow is the way to go!
- Herb Variation: You can experiment with different fresh herbs like cilantro or mint to add extra freshness to the dish.
- Serving Variations: For a more festive touch, pair this dish with naan or paratha for a complete Kashmiri meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~400 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Cholesterol | 120mg |
Kashmiri Kokur Yakhni is an authentic, flavorful, and deeply comforting dish that showcases the rich culinary traditions of Kashmir. The combination of tender chicken cooked in a yogurt and spice-infused gravy brings out the warm, aromatic notes of the regionโs cuisine. This dish is perfect for special occasions or a hearty family meal. Enjoy it with loved ones and savor the taste of Kashmir in every bite!
