Chicken Jalfrezi with Red Hot Pepper and Exotic Rice

Chicken Jalfrezi with Red Hot Pepper and Exotic Rice

Chicken Jalfrezi is a popular South Asian dish known for its spicy and tangy flavors. This stir-fried curry involves marinated chicken cooked with bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of spices. Paired with a serving of exotic, fluffy rice, this dish is perfect for those who crave a punch of heat and a burst of vibrant flavors.

Ingredients:

For Chicken Jalfrezi:
– 500 grams of boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 large onion, finely sliced
– 1 green bell pepper, sliced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 2 tomatoes, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece ginger, minced
– 2 green chilies, sliced
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 2 teaspoons ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon garam masala
– 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
– Salt to taste
– Fresh cilantro for garnish

For Exotic Rice:
– 1 cup basmati rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 2-3 cloves
– 2 cardamom pods
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

Preparing the Chicken Jalfrezi:
1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with half of the cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well and set aside for at least 20 minutes.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until it is lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Prepare the stir-fry: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds until aromatic. Then, add the sliced onions, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry until the onions are translucent.
4. Add the vegetables: Add the sliced bell peppers, tomatoes, and green chilies. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables start to soften (about 5 minutes).
5. Spice it up: Sprinkle in the remaining cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and chili powder. Mix well.
6. Combine chicken and vegetables: Add the cooked chicken back into the pan. Stir everything together, ensuring the chicken and vegetables are well coated with the spices. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors meld together.
7. Garnish and serve: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Preparing the Exotic Rice:
1. Rinse the rice: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch.
2. Cook spices: Heat the vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Cook the rice: Add the rinsed rice to the pot, stirring to coat the rice with the spices. Add 2 cups of water and salt to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
4. Simmer: Cover the pot and let the rice simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Serving:
Serve the Chicken Jalfrezi hot, alongside the flavorful exotic rice. Enjoy the beautiful harmony of spices, heat, and the fresh, vibrant taste of the mixed vegetables.