Experience the majesty of Indian cuisine with our Chicken Maharaja, a rich and regal curry that will transport you to the bustling spice markets of the subcontinent. Inspired by the grand traditions of the Maharajas, this dish combines tender chicken with a flavourful blend of almonds, poppy seeds, and cashew nuts, enhanced by whole spices and aromatic garam masala. Served over fluffy basmati rice, this dish is a true celebration of Indian cuisine, with its complex flavours and textures evoking the grandeur and opulence of a bygone era.
Serves 4 -6
Preparation time 15 to 20 minutes, Cooking time 50 minutes, Overall time just over an hour and 10 minutes.
Recipe Difficulty level - Beginner-Friendly
Special equipment - Blender
Heat level - Mild
This Chicken Maharaja recipe has been adapted many times but is believed to have been created by British Indian restaurant owners who wanted to create a dish that was both authentic and appealing to British tastes. The name "Maharaja" is a reference to the monarchs of India, and the dish was likely intended to evoke the grandeur and luxury of the Indian royal courts. In recent years, the Chicken Maharaja has gained popularity in other parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, where it is often served in Indian-inspired restaurants and fusion eateries. Despite its widespread popularity, the Chicken Maharaja remains a relatively unknown dish in India itself, where it is not commonly found on menus or served in traditional restaurants.
Chicken Maharaja Recipe
Ingredients:
1 chicken breast per person or as you see fit
2 large onions, coarsely chopped
3 - 4 cloves garlic, peeled and coarsely chopped
1- inch cube of root ginger, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 fresh red or green chilli
1-2 dried chillies
4 tablespoons coconut oil or ghee
4 tablespoons of natural Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon of black cumin seeds
Ground spices needed
1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
3 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon of garam masala
½ teaspoon of chilli powder
¼ of a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
½ cup of water
2 tablespoons of Ground almonds
2 tablespoons of ground white poppy seeds
1 teaspoon of Celtic or Himalayan salt
To finish
a handful of chopped coriander leaves
a dash of double cream
a knob of butter
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
How to make Chicken Maharaja
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Prep all your ingredients,
Wash and dry the chicken breast, then cut into bite size pieces.
In a heavy based pan heat 2 tablespoons of the coconut oil or ghee and Sauté the onions, ginger, garlic, and chillies together until the onions reach a light golden brown, about 5-7 minutes, remove from the heat and cool, to create a rich and aromatic onion masala.
Then in a blender add the yogurt and the onion masala together and blend until smooth.
In the pan that the onion masala was made add the rest of the ghee or oil and briefly fry the the black cumin seeds then add the ground spices along with the ground poppy seeds.
Now add the chicken and fry until the chicken changes colour and the meat has sealed.
Next, add the blended yogurt to the onion masala and stir well to combine. Then, add 1/2 cup of water along with the salt to the pan. Cover the pan with a lid and cook the chicken until it's tender and cooked through. As the chicken approaches doneness, remove the lid and let the gravy simmer for a few minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Keep an eye on the dish to ensure it doesn't burn or stick to the pan."
Finish the dish by stirring in the ground almonds and chopped coriander leaves. Add a dash of double cream and a pat of butter to give it a rich and creamy texture. Finally, squeeze a sliver of fresh lemon juice over the top and garnish with additional chopped coriander leaves. Serve the dish hot, garnished with its fresh and aromatic flavours.
Goes well with:
"May the majestic flavors of Chicken Maharaja reign supreme in your kitchen! With its rich and creamy sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic spices, this dish is fit for a king - or queen, or anyone who loves a taste of royalty. As you serve it up with basmati rice and naan bread, remember that the true magic of this recipe lies not just in the ingredients, but in the memories you'll make around the table. So go ahead, gather your loved ones, and let the regal flavours of Chicken Maharaja take center stage."
Happy cooking my lovely friends.
Please leave a comment below to share your own experience in preparing this recipe.
Cheers Steve.
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