Sanjeev Kapoor's Top 5 Signature Recipes To Try
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If you consider yourself a food enthusiast, chances are you have heard of the culinary maestro, Sanjeev Kapoor. With his infectious smile and undeniable passion for cooking, Kapoor has captured the hearts of millions of food lovers around the world. Renowned for his creative flair and innovative approach, he has created numerous mouthwatering dishes that are loved by people of all ages. Let's explore Sanjeev Kapoor's top five signature recipes that you must try. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure like no other!

Butter Chicken - The Irresistible Classic

Indulge in the rich and creamy flavours of Sanjeev Kapoor's Butter Chicken. This classic Indian dish is a favourite among food enthusiasts and for good reason. The succulent chicken pieces simmered in a luscious tomato and cream-based gravy are sure to tantalise your taste buds. The aromatic spices and the touch of fenugreek leaves elevate the dish to new heights. Serve it with warm naan bread or fragrant basmati rice for a truly satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

  • 500 grams of boneless chicken, cut into pieces
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 1 cup fresh cream
  • 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tablespoon red chilli powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish

Method:

Step 1: Heat oil in a pan and add ginger-garlic paste. Sauté until fragrant.

Step 2: Add tomato puree, red chilli powder, and salt. Cook until the oil separates from the mixture.

Step 3: In a separate pan, heat butter and add the cooked tomato mixture. Stir well.

Step 4: Add chicken pieces and cook until they are tender and well coated with the tomato mixture.

Step 5: Pour in the fresh cream and sprinkle garam masala and kasuri methi. Mix gently.

Step 6: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with naan or rice.

Dhaniya Paneer Tikka - A Twist of Freshness

Elevate your appetiser game with the refreshing flavours of Dhaniya Paneer Tikka. This delightful dish combines the creaminess of paneer with the vibrant freshness of coriander. The zing from green chillies and the tanginess from lemon juice add an extra kick to every bite. Grilled to perfection, these skewers of paneer are a feast for the senses. Whether you're hosting a party or looking for a quick snack, Dhaniya Paneer Tikka is guaranteed to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

Ingredients:

  • 200 grams paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cut into cubes
  • 1 cup fresh coriander leaves
  • 2 green chillies
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon chaat masala
  • Salt to taste
  • Wooden skewers, soaked in water

Method:

Step 1: In a blender, combine fresh coriander leaves, green chillies, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and salt. Blend into a smooth paste.

Step 2: Marinate paneer cubes in the coriander paste for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Skewer the marinated paneer cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers.

Step 4: Preheat a grill or tandoor. Grill the paneer skewers until they are golden brown and slightly charred.

Step 5: Sprinkle chaat masala over the grilled paneer and serve hot.

Tandoori Murgh - A Sizzler's Delight

Sizzle your taste buds with the irresistible Tandoori Murgh. This classic Indian dish is synonymous with the vibrant flavours of the tandoor (clay oven). The chicken drumsticks are marinated in a yoghurt-based mixture infused with aromatic spices and tangy lemon juice. The result is succulent and smoky chicken with a beautiful charred exterior. Whether you're hosting a barbecue or craving a restaurant-style experience at home, Tandoori Murgh is sure to transport you to the streets of India.

Ingredients:

  • 500 grams of chicken drumsticks
  • 1 cup yoghourt
  • 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tablespoon red chilli powder
  • 1 tablespoon tandoori masala
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Onion rings and lemon wedges, for garnish

Method:

Step 1: In a bowl, combine yoghurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chilli powder, tandoori masala, lemon juice, oil, and salt to make the marinade.

Step 2: Make deep incisions in the chicken drumsticks and coat them with the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 3: Preheat the grill or oven to 200°C (400°F).

Step 4: Grill or bake the marinated chicken drumsticks until they are cooked through and have a charred appearance.

Step 5: Garnish with onion rings and lemon wedges. Serve hot with mint chutney.

Malai Kofta - The Creamy Indulgence

Indulge in the ultimate creamy delight with Sanjeev Kapoor's Malai Kofta. This vegetarian masterpiece is a blend of textures and flavours that will leave you wanting more. The melt-in-your-mouth koftas, made with paneer, potatoes, and a medley of aromatic spices, are deep-fried to perfection. They are then immersed in a luscious gravy that boasts the richness of cashews, cream, and fragrant spices. The dish is a celebration of Indian cuisine's love affair with creaminess and is perfect for those looking to treat themselves to something truly indulgent.

Ingredients:

For the koftas:

  • 200 grams paneer, grated
  • 2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
  • 2 tablespoons corn flour
  • 1 tablespoon raisins, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon cashews, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh coriander leaves, chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil for deep frying

For the gravy:

  • 1 cup onion-tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tablespoon cashew paste
  • 1 tablespoon melon seeds
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cream
  • 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon kasuri methi
  • Salt to taste

Method:

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine grated paneer, mashed potatoes, corn flour, raisins, cashews, coriander leaves, and salt. Mix well.

Step 2: Shape the mixture into small balls and deep fry them until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel and set aside.

Step 3: In a separate pan, heat oil and add ginger-garlic paste. Sauté until fragrant.

Step 4: Add onion-tomato paste, cashew paste, melon seeds, red chilli powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook until the oil separates from the mixture.

Step 5: Stir in fresh cream and kasuri methi. Add water to adjust the consistency of the gravy.

Step 6: Gently place the fried koftas in the gravy and simmer for a few minutes.

Step 7: Serve hot with naan or rice.

Chocolate Samosa - A Sweet Surprise

Prepare to be pleasantly surprised by the Chocolate Samosa, a delightful twist on the traditional savoury snack. Sanjeev Kapoor has ingeniously transformed the humble samosa into a dessert that will satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth. The crispy exterior gives way to a luscious, molten centre of dark chocolate and powdered sugar. The combination of textures and the heavenly taste of chocolate make this dish a crowd-pleaser. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with a dollop of ice cream or chocolate sauce, the Chocolate Samosa is a unique treat that will leave you craving more.

Ingredients:

  • 10 samosa patti (spring roll wrappers)
  • 100 grams dark chocolate, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • Oil for deep frying
  • Ice cream or chocolate sauce, for serving (optional)

Method:

Step 1: In a bowl, combine chopped dark chocolate and powdered sugar. Mix well.

Step 2: Take a samosa patti and fold it into a cone shape, sealing the edges with water.

Step 3: Fill the cone with the chocolate mixture and seal the open end.

Step 4: Repeat the process with the remaining samosa patties.

Step 5: Deep fry the chocolate-filled samosas until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve hot as is or with a scoop of ice cream or drizzled with chocolate sauce.

Sanjeev Kapoor's signature recipes are a testament to his culinary expertise and creativity. From the rich and creamy Butter Chicken to the refreshing Dhaniya Paneer Tikka, each dish showcases his passion for combining flavours and creating memorable culinary experiences. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes are accessible and will impress both your family and guests. So, go ahead and embark on a gastronomic journey with these five signature dishes, and let Sanjeev Kapoor guide you to culinary bliss. Happy cooking!