Rich and Creamy Chicken Korma Delight

Chicken Korma is a luxurious and fragrant Indian dish that features tender chicken pieces cooked in a creamy sauce of yogurt, cream, and a medley of spices. This beautifully balanced curry offers a burst of flavors with every bite. The rich, creamy sauce gently envelops the succulent chicken, making it an irresistible treat for your taste buds. Perfect for a special dinner or a cozy night in, this Chicken Korma will surely impress your loved ones.

Ingredients:
– 1 kg (2.2 lbs) chicken (boneless, cut into pieces)
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 3 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
– 3 tbsp yogurt
– 200 ml (3/4 cup) heavy cream
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
– 2 green cardamom pods
– 1 stick of cinnamon
– 4 cloves
– 1 bay leaf
– 2 tsp ground coriander
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp garam masala
– 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
– 1/2 tsp chili powder (or to taste)
– Salt to taste
– A handful of chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
– Sliced almonds (optional) for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preparation:
– Start by marinating the chicken pieces with yogurt, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground turmeric, and a little salt. Set aside for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

2. Sautéing the Onions:
– Heat the vegetable oil or ghee in a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown and caramelized. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Remove the onions from the pan and set aside.

3. Cooking the Spices:
– In the same pan, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until they release their aroma. Add the green cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, and bay leaf, stirring for another minute to let the spices infuse the oil.

4. Cooking the Chicken:
– Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan, cooking until they are no longer pink on the outside. This will take about 5-7 minutes.

5. Creating the Sauce:
– Return the caramelized onions to the pan with the chicken. Stir everything together. Add the ground spices (garam masala and chili powder) and mix well.
– Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

6. Simmering:
– Cover the pan and let the chicken cook gently in the rich, creamy sauce for about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the chicken cooks evenly.

7. Finishing Touches:
– Once the chicken is tender and cooked through, adjust the seasoning with salt to taste. Garnish the Chicken Korma with chopped fresh cilantro and sliced almonds if desired.

8. Serving:
– Serve your Rich and Creamy Chicken Korma Delight hot with steamed basmati rice, naan, or any Indian flatbread of your choice.

Enjoy this delightful dish that beautifully blends traditional Indian spices with creamy textures, delivering a satisfying and memorable meal!