Simple and easy chicken curry

Instructions:

Marinating the Chicken:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
2. Create the Marinade:
   • In the same bowl, combine the plain yogurt, ginger-garlic paste (or minced ginger and garlic), ground turmeric, ground cumin, ground coriander, red chili powder, and salt. Mix everything well to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Marinating the chicken allows it to absorb the flavors of the spices, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

Making the Curry:

1. Sauté the Onions:
   • In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
   • Add the finely chopped onions and sauté them until they become soft and translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add Ground Spices:
   • Once the onions are soft, add the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, red chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Sauté these spices with the onions for about 2 minutes, stirring to prevent burning.
3. Incorporate Tomatoes:
   • Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until they soften and break down, creating a flavorful base for the curry.
4. Introduce Marinated Chicken:
   • Carefully add the marinated chicken to the skillet, including any marinade left in the bowl. Stir the chicken to coat it with the onion and tomato mixture.
5. Cook the Chicken:
   • Cook the chicken for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
6. Spice Adjustment:
   • At this stage, you can adjust the level of spiciness to your liking by adding more red chili powder or reducing it, depending on your preference.
7. Add Garam Masala:
   • Sprinkle the garam masala over the chicken and stir it in. Garam masala is a blend of spices that adds depth and complexity to the curry.
8. Pour in Water:
   • Add a cup of water to the skillet to create a luscious, saucy consistency for your curry. Stir well to combine.
9. Simmer the Curry:
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow the chicken curry to simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld, and the chicken becomes tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check for seasoning adjustments.

Cooking the Optional Rice (if desired):

1. Rinse the Rice:
   • If you want to serve your chicken curry with rice, rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, ensuring that the rice cooks evenly and remains separate.
2. Boil the Rice:
   • In a separate saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir once, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
3. Fluff the Rice:
   • Once the rice is done, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes, then fluff it with a fork.

Serving:

1. Serve the Chicken Curry:
   • Ladle the hot chicken curry into serving bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
2. Optional Rice:
   • If you’ve prepared rice, serve it alongside the chicken curry.
3. Enjoy:
   • Your simple and easy chicken curry is ready to be enjoyed. Serve it with naan bread, roti, or a side of yogurt raita for a complete meal.

Conclusion:

This simple and easy chicken curry is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender marinated chicken with aromatic spices and a luscious sauce. It’s a versatile recipe that’s perfect