Authentic Kashmiri Chandi Khorma: Creamy Chicken in a Luxurious White Gravy
2 hours 25 minutes
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About Authentic Kashmiri Chandi Khorma: Creamy Chicken in a Luxurious White Gravy
Indulge in the rich flavors of Chandi Khorma, a quintessential Kashmiri chicken dish. This elegant recipe features tender chicken simmered in a creamy white gravy, subtly spiced with aromatic ginger-garlic, white pepper, and cardamom. The luxurious texture and delicate spices create a truly unforgettable culinary experience, perfect for a special occasion or a comforting family meal.Unlike many complex curries, Chandi Khorma's simplicity shines through. The focus is on letting the natural flavors of the chicken and the creamy sauce take center stage. This recipe is a testament to the beauty of Kashmiri cuisine, where subtle spices and high-quality ingredients create a dish that's both sophisticated and deeply satisfying.Prepare to be amazed by the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and the aromatic spices that dance on your palate. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, sure to impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Recipe Time & More
Prep2 hours
Cook25 minutes
Total2 hours 25 minutes
Ingredients
Chicken & Marinade
- 1 kg Chicken bone-in, cut into large pieces
- 200 gm Yogurt full-fat; also known as curd, plain
- 1.5 tsp Salt or to taste
- 3 tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
- 1 tsp Pepper Powder white
- 1 tsp Cardamom Powder also known as elaichi
- 1 tbsp Rose Petals crushed, dried
Sauce & Gravy
- 3 Onions finely chopped, large
- 5 tbsp Ghee clarified butter; or vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp Chili Paste also known as hari mirch; adjust to taste, green
- 100 gm Mawa khoya; grated
- 2 tbsp Melon Seed Paste or substitute with 1 tbsp of water
- 2 tbsp Cashew Paste
Garnish
- 1/4 cup Pistachios roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup Almonds sliced
- 2 tbsp Heavy Cream fresh
- 1 tsp Rose Water
- A few Silver Leaf also known as silver varq, for garnish (optional)
- 1 cup Water
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- Marinate the chicken for at least 1-2 hours (or longer for best results) with the yogurt, salt, cardamom powder, white pepper powder, crushed dried rose petals, and ginger-garlic paste.
Prepare the Sauce
- Heat the ghee (or oil) in a large pan or pot over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onions until softened and lightly golden.
- Add the green chili paste and cook for another minute. Stir in the grated mawa, melon seed paste, and cashew paste. Cook, stirring constantly, until well combined and fragrant.
Simmer the Chicken
- Add the marinated chicken to the pan. Stir well to coat the chicken with the sauce. Pour in the water, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is very tender.
Finish and Garnish
- Stir in the chopped pistachios, sliced almonds, rose water, and remaining dried rose petals. Gently fold in the fresh cream. Simmer for another 5 minutes. Do not boil.
Serve
- Garnish with silver leaf (optional) and serve hot with rice or naan.
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Best Chandi Khorma
- For an even richer flavor, use bone-in chicken thighs and legs.
- If you don't have melon seed paste, you can omit it or use a teaspoon of almond extract for a similar subtle nutty flavor.
- Adjust the amount of green chili paste according to your spice preference.
- Allow the Chandi Khorma to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld before serving. This step will enhance the overall taste and texture.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 5gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 570mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g
5 Comments
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This is wonderful! Can’t wait to taste it.
This is exactly what I was looking for!
I’m excited to make this at home!
This is perfect! Can’t wait to taste it.
What a delicious recipe! Thanks for posting.