Village-Style Smokey Masala Chicken Recipe

 Village-Style Smokey Masala Chicken Recipe: A Rustic Delight

This **Village-Style Smokey Masala Chicken** recipe brings the bold, hearty flavors of village cooking to your kitchen. Known for its rich spices and distinctive smoky aroma, this dish can be made at home using coal to infuse that authentic smoky flavor. Let's dive into making this delicious and rustic meal!

Ingredients (Serves 4-5):

1. **Chicken** (1 kg)

   - **Benefits**: Lean protein source rich in Vitamin B6, B12, niacin, phosphorus, and selenium. Supports muscle growth, bone health, and immune function.

2. **Turmeric Powder** (1 tsp for marination, 1 tsp for gravy)

   - **Benefits**: Contains **curcumin**, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. May help with inflammation, digestion, heart health, and has potential anti-cancer effects.

3. **Salt** (to taste)

   - **Benefits**: Essential for fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. Use in moderation to avoid health issues such as high blood pressure.

4. **Ginger-Garlic Paste** (2 tsp)

   - **Ginger Benefits**: Aids digestion, reduces nausea, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

   - **Garlic Benefits**: Boosts immunity, improves cholesterol levels, and supports heart health due to **allicin**.

5. **Arrowroot Paste (or Cornstarch)** (1 tsp)

   - **Benefits**: A gluten-free, easily digestible starch that supports digestion and is low in calories, suitable for sensitive stomachs.

6. **Mustard Oil** (½ cup)

   - **Benefits**: Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Supports heart health and has anti-inflammatory properties. Helps lower bad cholesterol levels.

7. **Onions** (2 large, finely chopped)

   - **Benefits**: Contains vitamins C, B6, and manganese. Rich in antioxidants like **quercetin** which support heart health and digestion.

8. **Tomatoes** (2 large, chopped)

   - **Benefits**: High in **lycopene**, which supports heart health and skin protection. Also provides vitamins C and K, potassium, and folate.

9. **Red Chili Powder** (1 tsp)

   - **Benefits**: Contains **capsaicin**, which boosts metabolism, aids digestion, and has anti-inflammatory and pain-relief properties.

10. **Cumin Powder** (1 tsp)

    - **Benefits**: Known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Aids digestion, helps control blood sugar, and boosts the immune system.

11. **Coriander Powder** (1 tsp)

    - **Benefits**: Packed with antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and K. Supports digestion, lowers blood sugar, and promotes heart health.

12. **Yogurt (Full-Fat)** (½ cup, whisked)

    - **Benefits**: Provides probiotics for gut health, along with calcium, vitamin D, and B vitamins. Supports digestion and bone health.

13. **Coal** (for smoky flavor)

    - **Benefits**: Adds a smoky aroma to the dish, enhancing its flavor.

14. **Ghee** (1 tbsp for tempering)

    - **Benefits**: Contains healthy fats, including omega-3s. Supports digestion, reduces inflammation, and has a high smoke point, suitable for high-temperature cooking.

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### Optional Garnishes:

- **Coriander Leaves**: Adds freshness and aids digestion.

- **Lemon Juice**: Enhances flavor with acidity and boosts immunity with vitamin C.

- **Green Chilies**: Provides heat, vitamin C, supports digestion, and boosts metabolism.

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### **Health Benefits of the Recipe Overall:**

- **High in Protein**: Chicken and yogurt offer significant protein for muscle growth and repair.

- **Healthy Fats**: Mustard oil and ghee contribute to a healthy fat intake supporting brain function and cell structure.

- **Heart Health**: Ingredients like garlic, tomatoes, and cumin help regulate cholesterol and blood pressure.

- **Immune Support**: Turmeric, ginger, garlic, and yogurt boost the immune system and help fight infections.

- **Digestive Health**: Spices like cumin, coriander, and ginger improve digestion and support gut health.

- **Anti-Inflammatory**: Turmeric, ginger, and garlic have strong anti-inflammatory properties.

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### Customization for Specific Health Goals:

- **For Weight Loss**: Reduce oil and ghee, and use low-fat yogurt.

- **For Heart Health**: Lower salt and consider using olive oil instead of mustard oil, though mustard oil is heart-healthy in moderation.

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### Prep Time: 20 minutes  

### Cook Time: 50-60 minutes  

### Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (plus marination time)

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## Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Place 1 kg of chicken pieces in a bowl.

2. Mix in:

   - 1 tsp turmeric powder

   - Salt to taste

   - 2 tsp ginger-garlic paste

   - 1 tsp arrowroot paste (or cornstarch)

3. Coat the chicken well. Marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2-3 hours or overnight for best flavor.

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## Step 2: Prepare the Masala Base

1. Heat ½ cup mustard oil in a large pan until it starts to lightly smoke (about 5 minutes).

2. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown, about 10-12 minutes.

3. Add chopped tomatoes and cook for 8-10 minutes until they break down into a smooth paste.

4. Stir in:

   - 1 tsp turmeric powder

   - 1 tsp red chili powder

   - 1 tsp cumin powder

   - 1 tsp coriander powder

5. Cook until the oil starts to separate from the masala, about 5-6 minutes.

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## Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook on high heat for 3-4 minutes to brown.

2. Mix well with the masala and cook on high heat for another 3-4 minutes until the oil starts separating again.

3. Stir in ½ cup whisked yogurt, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is tender. Add water if the gravy is too thick.

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### Pro Tips for an Authentic Village Taste:

1. **Use Fresh Spices**: Freshly ground cumin and coriander offer more intense flavor.

2. **Long Marination**: Marinate the chicken for deeper flavor.

3. **Add Garam Masala**: Stir in ½ tsp garam masala before serving for extra warmth and depth.

4. **Perfect the Smoke**: Use red-hot coal and cover quickly to trap the smoke.

5. **Creamier Gravy**: Blend cashews into a paste and add for a richer texture.

6. **Use Full-Fat Yogurt**: For a creamy texture without extra cream.

7. **Slow Cooking**: Allows spices to infuse deeply and makes chicken tender.

8. **Fresh Garnish**: Top with chopped coriander, lemon juice, and green chilies for added freshness.

9. **Smoked Rice**: Use the coal-smoking technique on rice for a complementary flavor.

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## Step 4: Add the Smokey Flavor

1. Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving bowl.

2. Heat a small piece of coal until it’s red hot.

3. Place the hot coal in a small bowl or foil and set it in the center of the dish.

4. Drizzle ghee over the coal to produce smoke.

5. Cover the dish tightly and let it sit for 5-7 minutes to absorb the smoky aroma.

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## Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Village-Style Smokey Masala Chicken hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice. The tender chicken, rich spices, and unique smoky flavor are sure to delight your taste buds.

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### Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approx. 200g):

- **Calories:** 350-400 kcal

- **Protein:** 28-30g

- **Carbohydrates:** 6-8g

   - Sugars: 4g

   - Fiber: 2g

- **Fat:** 25-28g

   - Saturated Fat: 6-8g

- **Cholesterol:** 100-120mg

- **Sodium:** 400-600mg

- **Calcium:** 80-100mg

- **Iron:** 2.5-3mg

- **Vitamin C:** 12-15mg

- **Vitamin A:** 400-500 IU

This dish is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb diets. Adjust the fat content by reducing oil or using lighter options if necessary.

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Try this recipe and let me know how it turns out! The smoky twist adds a unique touch that’s bound to become a favorite.