Chicken Jalfrezi: A Spicy and Flavorful South Asian Stir-Fry Delight

Chicken Jalfrezi is a popular South Asian dish known for its vibrant and spicy flavors. This stir-fry dish is a perfect combination of tender chicken pieces cooked with bell peppers, onions, and a blend of aromatic spices. It can be served with rice or flatbreads like naan or roti. The dish is characterized by its thick, tangy tomato-based sauce and its distinguishable spicy kick.

Ingredients:- 500g boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil- 1 large onion, chopped- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced- 2 tomatoes, chopped- 2 cloves garlic, minced- 1-inch piece ginger, grated- 2-3 green chilies, sliced (optional, adjust to taste)- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric- 1 teaspoon ground coriander- 1 teaspoon ground cumin- 1 teaspoon garam masala- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, adjust to taste)- 200ml tomato passata (or tomato puree)- Salt to taste- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)- Juice of half a lemon

Instructions:1. **Marinate the Chicken:** - In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with ground turmeric, ground coriander, and a pinch of salt. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

2. **Cook the Chicken:** - Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

3. **Prepare the Jalfrezi Base:** - In the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and let them splutter for a few seconds. - Add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent. - Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced green chilies. Sauté for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.

4. **Add Vegetables and Spices:** - Add the sliced bell peppers and chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. - Stir in the ground cumin, garam masala, and chili powder (if using). Cook for another minute to let the spices release their aroma.

5. **Combine and Simmer:** - Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in the tomato passata and stir everything together. - Season with salt to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, until the sauce thickens and all the flavors meld together.

6. **Finish and Serve:** - Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the Chicken Jalfrezi and stir well. - Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving. - Serve hot with steamed rice, naan, or roti.

Enjoy your delicious and spicy Chicken Jalfrezi!