CHICKEN KABULI (MURGH KABULI)

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Chicken Kabuli (Murgh Kabuli) image

This mild and flavourful dish comes from Julie Sahni's 1980 book, Classic Indian Cookery. She adapted it from a dish served at the Akbar India Restaurant in New York City (which I think is now closed). I am posting this for some former exchange students who are going through severe Kabuli withdrawal. I often make this a day in advance. A few comments. I think Julie Sahni writes some of the clearest recipes on the planet -- and she does so without being patronising. Check out her books (and note that I have abbreviated some instructions slightly). Also, I wonder if Kabuli means the recipe is influenced by dishes from Kabul, Afghanistan. Finally, I have never timed this accurately, so the prep time is a bit of a guess.

Provided by Leggy Peggy

Categories     Curries

Time 1h15m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

4 large garlic cloves, peeled
3 tablespoons fresh ginger, chopped
3 medium tomatoes, quartered (about 375 grams/12 ounces)
250 g plain yogurt (8 ounces)
180 ml vegetable oil (6 ounces)
1 1/2 kg chicken breasts, boned, skinned and cubed (3 pounds)
1/2 teaspoon mace
1 teaspoon nutmeg
2 tablespoons blanched almonds, ground
1 teaspoon cardamom, ground
1 teaspoon cumin, ground
1 teaspoon coriander, ground
1/2 teaspoon fennel, ground
1 tablespoon salt
125 ml double cream (4 ounces)
2 -3 teaspoons black peppercorns, coarsely ground
4 -5 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped (coriander)

Steps:

  • Buzz the garlic, ginger, tomatoes and yogurt in a food processor until they are a fine purée.
  • Combine the oil and the puréed mixture in a large heavy-bottomed pan, preferably one with a non-stick surface. Place the pan over medium-high heat, and cook -- stirring constantly to prevent sticking and burning -- until the mixture reduces to a thick sauce and the fat begins to separate (about 15 minutes). It splatters some toward the end, so stay alert.
  • Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring rapidly, until they lose their pink colour and begin to sear slightly (about 5 minutes), but do not let them brown.
  • Add the mace, nutmeg, almonds, cardamon, cumin, coriander, fennel and salt, and mix well.
  • Reduce heat, cover the pan and let the chicken cook in its own juices for 15 minutes.
  • Uncover and continue cooking for another 15 minutes (or until the chicken is fork tender).
  • Stir in the cream, black pepper and cilantro/coriander leaves, and turn off heat.
  • Let the dish rest, covered, for at least 1 hour. When ready to serve, reheat thoroughly, check for salt and serve.

Arielle York
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This dish was easy to make and turned out delicious!


Ben John
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I would definitely recommend this recipe to anyone who loves Afghan food.


Aaite Pun
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This recipe is a keeper! I've made it several times now, and it always turns out great.


Rylee Chase
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This dish was a hit at my party! Everyone loved the flavors.


Shakes Maphosa
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Loved this recipe! The chicken was so tender and juicy, and the rice was cooked perfectly.


Atugonza Sylivia
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This was a delicious and easy-to-make dish. The chicken was tender and flavorful, and the rice was fluffy and aromatic. I would definitely make this again.


Breia Hess
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I'm not usually a fan of chicken, but this dish was amazing! The chicken was so tender and flavorful, and the rice was cooked perfectly. I would definitely recommend this recipe.


Thati Moropa
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This is one of my favorite chicken recipes! It's so easy to make and always turns out delicious. The chicken is always tender and juicy, and the rice is fluffy and flavorful.


Karima Ahmad
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This was a great recipe! I followed it exactly and the dish turned out perfectly. The chicken was tender and flavorful, and the rice was fluffy and aromatic.


Sumaiya Khan
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I loved this dish! The chicken was so juicy and flavorful, and the rice was cooked perfectly. The yogurt sauce was also delicious.


basiru ndow
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This recipe was easy to follow and the results were delicious! The chicken was tender and moist, and the rice was fluffy and flavorful. I will definitely be making this again.


Jax Mell
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I made this dish for a party, and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved the combination of flavors, and the chicken was cooked perfectly. I would definitely make this again.


Emy Sabri
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This was a great recipe! The chicken was juicy and flavorful, and the rice was fluffy and aromatic. I especially liked the yogurt sauce, which added a nice tanginess to the dish.


Salahudeen salahudeen rajpoot
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I was really impressed with this dish. The flavors were complex and well-balanced, and the chicken was cooked to perfection. I would definitely recommend this recipe to anyone who loves Afghan food.


Barkat King
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This recipe is a keeper! I've made it several times now, and it always turns out great. It's a great way to use up leftover chicken, and the yogurt sauce is amazing.


M Master
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This dish was absolutely delicious! The chicken was so tender and flavorful, and the rice was perfectly cooked. I loved the combination of spices, and the yogurt sauce was the perfect complement.