This Simple Nepali Chicken Curry Is A True Comfort Food

Nepalese cuisine is as diverse as the country itself, with influences from India, Tibet, and China. We may know it best for dishes like momos and thukpa, but there are many more options to choose from. Whether you're in the mood for something hearty or light, there's a Nepalese dish for you. Nepalese cuisine includes a variety of meats, such as chicken , lamb, and beef. vegetarian options are also available. Common side dishes include rice, potatoes, and cauliflower.

Also Read: How Many Of These Nepali Favourites Have You Tried?

Though there are a lot of cultural crossovers that show up in Nepali food, the unique local ingredients and climate often result in dishes that are familiar but a little different from what we would expect. Rather than rich, creamy curries for example, Nepali food tends to highlight clean sharp flavours and rely more on the spices to shine for themselves. 

This chicken curry known locally as Kukhura ko Jhol Masu is a very homely dish, often prepared in villages in large quantities for family gatherings. It’s rich in flavour but with only water and tomato paste as the base it’s not heavy on the stomach and with some rice or roti, makes for a truly comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 1kg Chicken thighs 
• ½ tbsp turmeric powder 
• 5 tbsp oil 
• 1 onion, finely sliced
• 2 Green chillies
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp fennel seeds
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 cardamom pod
• 1 tsp fenugreek seeds
• 3 cloves 
• 2 tbsp cumin/coriander powder
• 2 tbsp ginger garlic paste
• ½ tbsp chilli powder 
• 2 medium tomatoes
• 3 cups water
• Salt to taste

Method

• In a blender add the tomatoes, cumin-coriander powder, ginger garlic paste and some water and blend it into a smooth paste.
• In a dry pan roast the cumin, fennel, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and fenugreek seeds until they’re fragrant. 
• Pour in some oil and then add the sliced onions and chillies.
• Fry until golden brown, but not burnt.
• Add the cleaned chicken pieces and sprinkle over the turmeric powder. 
• Stir everything together till coated and then cook on a medium heat until the chicken starts to brown. 
• Add the chilli powder, tomato paste, and some water.
• Stir together and cook on a medium heat for 15 minutes.