Bhut Jolokia Murgh Recipe: A Fiery North Indian Delight
Introduction
Welcome to the vibrant world of North Indian cuisine, where spices dance in harmony, and each dish tells a story of its origins. Today, we delve into the electrifying realm of the Bhut Jolokia Murgh—a tantalizing chicken curry infused with the heat of the notorious ghost chili, known locally as bhut jolokia. This dish is not for the faint-hearted; it’s a culinary adventure that will awaken your taste buds and ignite your passion for cooking. With succulent pieces of chicken enveloped in a rich, flavorful gravy, this dish is perfect for those seeking a fiery experience paired with fragrant rice or warm naan.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the preparation of Bhut Jolokia Murgh, ensuring that you can replicate this North Indian classic in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients
Below is the detailed list of ingredients you will need to prepare Bhut Jolokia Murgh.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken (cut into medium pieces) | 500 grams |
| Ghost chili peppers (bhut jolokia) (soaked in water) | 1 (soaked in 1/2 cup water) |
| Onions (sliced and fried) | 2 |
| Ginger (chopped) | 1 inch |
| Garlic (chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Ghee | 3 tablespoons (2 + 1) |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1.5 teaspoons |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 2 teaspoons |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1 tablespoon |
| Garam masala powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Kashmiri red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Homemade tomato puree | 3 tablespoons |
| Salt (to taste) | – |
| Fresh coriander leaves (chopped) | 2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 460 |
| Protein | 38g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 16g |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Time (minutes) |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 20 |
| Cooking | 50 |
| Total Time | 70 |
Servings
This recipe serves 2 and can be easily adjusted for larger gatherings or family meals.
Course
This delightful dish falls under the Side Dish category, making it a perfect accompaniment to your favorite Indian bread or rice.
Instructions
To create the mouthwatering Bhut Jolokia Murgh, follow these step-by-step instructions that ensure every flavor is brought to life, leading to a rich and aromatic curry that will leave your guests wanting more.
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Soak the Ghost Chilies: Begin by soaking the ghost chilies in half a cup of water for about 15 minutes. This will soften them and make it easier to blend into a puree.
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Prep the Chicken: While the chilies are soaking, wash and clean the chicken pieces thoroughly. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel to ensure they fry well later on.
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Fry the Onions: In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and fry until they are golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove the fried onions from the pan and set them aside on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
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Make the Bhut Jolokia Puree: In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of ghee and toss in the chopped ginger and garlic. Sauté for a few seconds until they are aromatic. Add the soaked ghost chilies along with the water and cook until the garlic and ginger soften (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat, allow it to cool slightly, and then blend the mixture along with the fried onions to create a smooth puree. Transfer this puree into a bowl and set it aside.
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Prepare the Curry Base: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of ghee and set it over low heat. Add the turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, and Kashmiri red chili powder. Sauté these spices for about a minute, allowing their flavors to develop.
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Add Chicken: Mix the chicken pieces into the pan, ensuring they are well-coated with the spice mixture. Stir to combine, letting the chicken cook for about 5 minutes, allowing it to absorb the spices.
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Incorporate the Bhut Jolokia Puree: Now, add the bhut jolokia puree to the pan, stirring well to combine with the chicken. Allow the mixture to fry together for a couple of minutes.
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Simmer the Curry: Pour in about 1 cup of water and add salt to taste. Mix well, cover the pan with a lid, and let the chicken cook on low heat until it is tender and the gravy has thickened, which should take about 30-35 minutes.
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Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and the gravy has reached your desired consistency, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish your Bhut Jolokia Murgh with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
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Serving Suggestions: Serve this spicy chicken curry hot, paired beautifully with steamed rice or freshly made naan, for a delightful lunch or dinner experience.
Conclusion
The Bhut Jolokia Murgh is not just a dish; it is an explosion of flavors and an experience that speaks of North Indian heritage. This recipe combines heat, aroma, and rich taste, making it a favorite for those who appreciate the art of spicy cooking. Each bite offers a perfect balance of tenderness from the chicken and the fiery kick of bhut jolokia, which will certainly leave a lasting impression.
Indulge in the unique flavors of this dish, and let it transport you to the heart of Indian kitchens where spices and tradition converge to create something truly special. Enjoy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creation with friends and family!
