Discover the flavors of Mangalore with the iconic Chicken Ghee Roast, a culinary gem from the vibrant port city in Karnataka, India. This dish stands out with its rich blend of freshly ground spices, tangy tamarind, sweet jaggery, and delectable ghee, creating a symphony of tastes.
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Popular in Mangalorean restaurants and households, this spicy, tangy chicken dish is a perfect accompaniment to soft neer dosa, appam, and a variety of rice dishes like pulao and biryani, making it a versatile choice for both lunch and dinner. Experience the authentic taste of Karnataka with every bite of this delectable chicken ghee roast.
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How to Make Chicken Ghee Roast at Home?
Dive into making Chicken Ghee Roast, a process of creating rich masala, marinating chicken, and perfecting the ghee roast. Follow the photos and video for a delightful culinary experience. Let's begin!
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Chicken Ghee Roast
Experience the authentic Mangalorean Chicken Ghee Roast, a tempting blend of spiced chicken, tamarind, and jaggery roasted in rich ghee. Ideal as a side with neer dosa, biryani, pulao, or jeera rice for a true South Indian flavor.
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Ingredients
For Masala Paste
- 8 Dry Red Chili
- ¼ cup Coriander Seeds
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 1½ tsp Fennel Seeds
- ¼ tsp Fenugreek seeds
- 4 Cloves
- ½ tsp Peppercorn
- 7 Garlic Cloves
- ½ inch Ginger
- ¼ cup Tamarind Juice
- ¼ cup Water
For Marination
- 2.25 lb Chicken, cut and cleaned
- ¼ cup Curd
- ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tsp Salt
Other Ingredients
- ¼ cup Ghee
- 2 Onion, sliced
- ½ tsp Jaggery Powder
- 1 Curry Leaves, sprig
Instructions
To Prepare Masala
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add dry red chili, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, cloves, fenugreek seeds, and peppercorns. Roast until they become aromatic.
- Transfer the roasted spices to a blender. Add garlic cloves, ginger, tamarind juice or sauce, and a bit of water.
- Grind everything to a smooth paste and set aside for later use.
To Marinate
- Place bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl. Add curd, turmeric powder, salt, and the previously prepared ground masala paste.
- Mix everything well, ensuring the chicken pieces are thoroughly coated with the masala. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
To Prepare Chicken Ghee Roast
- In a large pan over medium heat, add a generous amount of ghee. Once the ghee is warm, add finely chopped onions. Sauté the onions until they turn soft and translucent, which lays a flavorful foundation for the dish.
- Introduce the marinated chicken into the pan, ensuring it's spread out evenly. Stir well to ensure the chicken pieces are fully coated with the ghee and onion mixture.
- Cover the pan with a lid and let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 15 minutes. This slow cooking method helps the chicken absorb the flavors and become tender.
- After 15 minutes, remove the lid and stir the chicken. Continue cooking uncovered, allowing the gravy to reduce and thicken. This typically takes around 10 minutes. You'll notice the gravy turning a rich reddish-brown, indicating it's nearing readiness.
- Sprinkle jaggery powder over the chicken and mix it in well. The jaggery adds a subtle sweetness, balancing the spices' heat.
- Add fresh curry leaves for a burst of flavor. Stir them into the chicken, allowing their aroma to meld into the dish.
- Once the chicken is cooked to a thick reddish-brown color and the aromas are rich and inviting, your Mangalorean Chicken Ghee Roast is ready to be served.
To Serve
- Enjoy the delectable flavors of Mangalorean Chicken Ghee Roast, perfectly paired with neer dosa, biryani, jeera rice, or plain white rice. For more delightful pairing ideas, see the serving suggestions section.
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Chef's Notes and Tips
Here are some essential tips for mastering the Chicken Ghee Roast:
Preparation and Cooking Techniques:
- Freshness of Ingredients: Using fresh ingredients like curry leaves, ginger, and garlic can significantly uplift the dish. They bring a freshness that powdered or older ingredients can't match.
- Ghee Quality: The taste and aroma of the ghee play a significant role in the final outcome. Use pure, high-quality ghee for the best results.
- Precision in Spice Roasting: Roast the spices over a low to medium heat to avoid burning. This step is critical as it releases the essential oils and aromas from the spices, contributing significantly to the dish's flavor profile.
- Balancing Tamarind and Jaggery: The addition of tamarind juice brings a tangy depth, while jaggery adds a subtle sweetness. The balance between these two ingredients is key to achieving the authentic taste of the dish. Adjust the quantities to suit your palate, but maintain a harmonious balance.
- Ghee vs. Cooking Oil: Traditionally, ghee is used for its rich flavor and aroma. However, for dietary reasons or personal preference, you can substitute it with a neutral cooking oil. Keep in mind that this substitution may slightly alter the traditional taste.
- Correct Ingredient Ratios: Focus on the precise quantities of all ingredients, particularly ghee, a key component of the dish. Adjust the amount of ghee to suit your taste and dietary needs, ensuring a balance between authenticity and personal preference.
- Choosing the Right Chilies: The type of chili used can greatly influence the heat and color of the dish. For a milder taste, regular long dry red chilies are suitable. For a more vibrant color and traditional look, opt for Kashmiri or Byadgi chilies, which are less spicy and impart a beautiful red hue.
- Prepare Tamarind Juice: Start by soaking a small ball of tamarind pulp (about the size of a gooseberry) in ¼ cup of warm water to bring the classic tangy twist to your Chicken Ghee Roast. Mash the pulp well in the water, then strain to get clear tamarind juice. Adjust the amount of tamarind and water according to your recipe's serving size.
- Effective Marination: Allow enough time for the chicken to marinate in the spice mix. This not only tenderizes the chicken but also ensures that the flavors penetrate deeply. A good marination time can range from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on your schedule.
- Moderate Cooking Heat: Cooking on a medium flame is essential to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly without the spices burning. Adjust the heat as necessary during cooking to prevent any part of the dish from getting overly charred.
Serving and Final Touches:
- Stirring Technique: Regular stirring is important to cook the chicken evenly and prevent it from sticking to the pan. This also helps in evenly distributing the spices and ghee throughout the dish.
- Spice Level Adjustment: Tailor the spice level to your preference. You can reduce or increase the number of chilies based on how spicy you like your food.
- Resting Time After Cooking: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking lets the flavors meld and deepen, enhancing the overall taste.
- Serving Temperature: Serving the dish hot is crucial as it brings out the richness of the spices and the aroma of the ghee, making for a more enjoyable eating experience.
Nutrition Info
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 542mg | Potassium: 356mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 157IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 3mg
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
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Serving Suggestions
Chicken Ghee Roast pairs excellently with a variety of dishes, enhancing your meal with its rich flavors. Here are the top serving suggestions:
- Neer Dosa: Soft and delicate, neer dosa complements the robust flavors of the chicken ghee roast.
- Biryani or Pulao: Serve alongside fragrant biryanis or a flavorful matar pulao for a hearty meal.
- Jeera Rice: The simplicity of jeera rice goes well with the spice-infused chicken.
- Plain Steamed Rice: Enjoy with plain steamed rice to let the flavors of the chicken shine.
- Roti or Naan: Savor the delicious roast with some soft roti or naan for a fulfilling experience.
- Raita and Salad: Balance the rich taste with a cooling raita or a fresh salad.
- Rasam: A tangy and spicy soup, rasam can be a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of the rich chicken ghee roast.
- Sambar: This hearty lentil and vegetable stew adds a comforting, mildly spiced element, pairing well with the robust flavors of the chicken.
- Poppadoms: Crispy poppadoms add a delightful crunch and are great for scooping up bits of the roast.
These serving suggestions are sure to make your Chicken Ghee Roast meal a memorable one.
Storage Suggestions
Enjoy Chicken Ghee Roast at its best when served hot. For storing leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be safely kept in the refrigerator for up to a day, ensuring freshness and flavor.
Shaheen Yusuf khatri says
Hello, Tried this recipe yesterday, it was awesome. Everyone in the family relished. Thanks for the recipe.
Sangeetha Vel says
Hi Shaheen,
It is really nice to hear that it turned out great for you and the family enjoyed the dish! Thanks for sharing your feedback 🙂