Tare Ko Chara

(Fried Chicken Gravy)

Recipe by Mr Nanda S.J.B. Rana Baber Mahal, family of Maharaja Chandra S.J.B. Rana.

Ingredients
• 1 kg chicken, cut in approximately 2” pieces
• 1/2 cup mustard oil
• 1/2 cup ghee
• 1/2 tsp asafoetida powder
• 1 1/2 cup sliced onions
• 1.5 cup chopped tomatoes
• 3 tbsp garlic paste
• 3 tbsp ginger paste
• 2 tsp cumin powder
• 1.5 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp chilli powder
• 1.5 tsp Kashmiri mirch powder
• 1 tbsp ground kudke achar (chilli pickle, if available)
• 2 tbsp chopped green coriander, for garnish
• salt to taste

Method
Make 1/2” slits in the chicken pieces and keep aside. Heat mustard oil in a heavy-bottomed pan till it smokes. Add ghee and asafoetida powder and onions. Stir till they are light golden in colour then add ginger-garlic paste, stir for another 5 minutes, till the raw smell dissipates. Add the chicken, salt and turmeric powder, and stir from time to time till the chicken changes colour to a light brown. Now add the cumin, coriander and chilli powders, stir for 2 minutes and add the tomatoes and kudke achar. Lower the heat and keep stirring till all the ingredients are well-integrated, the oil separates and the chicken is cooked. You can add 1/2 cup of water if it is not. Once cooked, add 1/2 tsp garam masala to the dish, stir and garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve.