Nilgiri Chicken Curry is juicy pieces of chicken simmered in a blend of herbs and spices. Chicken Green Masala Korma gets its classic green colour and delicious aroma from using fresh mint and coriander leaves.
What is Nilgiri Chicken Curry?
This appetizing Indian chicken curry recipe derives its name from the famous mountain ranges “Nilgiris” located in Southern India. Unlike the traditional creamy and mild korma, this Nilgiri Chicken Korma Curry boasts a vibrant green color and a more intense flavor profile. The dish gets its distinctive hue from a blend of fresh herbs and green chilies, creating a chicken green masala curry that’s both visually appealing and delicious.
Health Benefits of Nilgiri Chicken
Not only is Nilgiri Chicken Korma Curry delicious, but it also offers several health benefits:
- Rich in protein: Chicken provides essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair.
- Packed with antioxidants: The abundance of fresh herbs offers antioxidant properties.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Herbs like mint and coriander have natural anti-inflammatory effects.
- Mint is a popular herb that’s known for its cool aftertaste. Mint helps eliminate toxins from the body, acts as a blood cleanser, clears-up skin disorders, cleanses the stomach and reduces irritable bowel syndrome.
Nilgiri Chicken Curry Recipe:
Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds to the lush hills of South India? Look no further than the mouthwatering Nilgiri Chicken Korma Curry. This vibrant green curry, also known as Green Masala Chicken Curry, is a delightful twist on the classic korma, featuring a unique blend of aromatic herbs and spices that will leave you craving more.
Nilgiri chicken curry – a delectable chicken dish infused with the colour and refreshing flavour of coriander and mint leaves.
- To make this delectable green murgh recipe, firstly clean the chicken pieces well with water and set aside.
- Next chop onions, coriander, mint and curry leaves. Slit the chilli and grate coconut.
- Toast poppy seeds. Once they cool, transfer into a mixie jar, add grated coconut and grind to paste.
- Keep the prepared paste aside.
- Then take curry leaves, mint leaves, coriander leaves and green chillies in a mixie jar and grind to paste.
- Heat oil in a kadai. Put in cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and bay leaves. Saute for a few seconds and then crackle mustard and cumin seeds.
- Add onions, ginger garlic paste, and fry till the onions turn brown.
- Sprinkle asafoetida and haldi. Mix well.
- Next tip in the coconut-poppy seeds paste. Stir well and cook for abut 4-5 minutes.
- Sprinkle salt, chilli powder and coriander powder. Combine well.
- Put in the prepared green masala paste. Stir well and cook till for a couple of minutes.
- Add the chicken pieces, mix all the ingredients together, cover and cook for 30-40 minutes.
- Finally, drizzle lemon juice on the thickened chicken gravy and remove.
- Serve Nilgiri Chicken with Coconut Rice or Naan.
If you are looking for more murgh curry recipes, then do try out Murgh Rezala.
Nilgiri Chicken Korma Serving Suggestions
Nilgiri Chicken Korma Curry pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments:
- Steamed basmati rice
- Naan bread or roti
- Jeera rice (cumin-flavored rice)
- A side of cooling cucumber raita
Variations of Nilgiri Chicken Korma Curry
While the traditional recipe is fantastic, you can experiment with these variations:
- Vegetarian version: Replace chicken with paneer or mixed vegetables for a vegetarian Nilgiri Korma.
- Seafood twist: Use shrimp or fish instead of chicken for a seafood variation.
- Nutty addition: Incorporate ground cashews or almonds for a richer, nuttier taste.
Tips for the Perfect Green Masala Chicken
To elevate your Nilgiri Chicken Korma Curry to the next level, consider these tips:
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor and color.
- Adjust the number of green chilies to suit your spice preference.
- For a creamier texture, add a tablespoon of cashew paste to the curry.
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
Chicken Green Korma Recipe details below:
Nilgiri Chicken Curry Recipe
Ingredients
- Chicken - 500 grams
- Bay Leaf - 2
- Cardamom - 2
- Cinnamon - 1
- Cloves – 2
- Onion – 2 medium
- Ginger-Garlic Paste – ¾ tbsp
- Mustard seeds – 1 ½ tsp
- Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
- Turmeric – ½ tsp
- Hing - a pinch
- Coriander Powder – ½ tbsp
- Red Chilli Powder – ¼ tsp
- Salt to taste
- Oil – 1 tbsp
Grind to paste:
- Coconut - 2 tbsp, grated
- Poppy Seeds – 1 tbsp
Green masala paste:
- Mint leaves – ¾ cup
- Coriander leaves – ¾ cup
- Curry leaves – 3 sprigs
- Green chillies – 2
Instructions
- Wash and clean the chicken.
- Lightly dry roast the poppy seeds. Cool and grind to paste together with grated coconut.
- Wash and chop the coriander, mint and curry leaves. Slit the green chillies and finely chop the onions.
- Grind the coriander leaves, mint leaves, green chillies and curry leaves to a fine paste.
- Heat oil in a pan and add bay leaves, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves. Once they start to sizzle, pop in the mustard seeds.
- When mustard seeds crackle, add the cumin seeds and then the chopped onions and ginger garlic paste. Sauté till the onions brown.
- Add a pinch of hing and turmeric. Mix well.
- Now add the poppy seed & coconut paste. Blend well and cook for 4-5 minutes.
- Add red chilli powder, coriander powder and salt. Mix well.
- Add the green masala paste and cook till the raw smell disappears and oil oozes out.
- Add the chicken and cook covered for 30-40 minutes till it’s tender and the gravy thickens. Add a dash of lemon juice and remove.
- Serve Nilgiri Chicken with Naan or Coconut Rice.
Notes
- You can use fennel seeds instead of poppy seeds.
- Drizzle some lemon juice on top for added flavour.
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