2lbsbone-in, cut up, skinless chicken (or sub chicken thighs), cleaned and excess skin removed
2bay leaves
1tspcumin seeds
1/8tspwhole black peppercorns
3green cardamom pods
5whole cloves
11-inchcinnamon stick
8-10clovesgarlic, crushed
1inchpiece ginger, crushed
2small tomatoes* (optional), quartered
3/4cupplain, whole-milk yogurt
2tspcoriander powder
1tspcumin powder
1tspred chili powder or to taste
1/2tspturmeric powder
1/2tsppaprika powder or Kashmiri red chili powder, optional – for color
2 1/8tspsalt, or to taste depending on amount of chicken
2-3green chili peppers, chopped
Finishing:
1-2black cardamom pods (optional)
1piecewhole mace , or sub pinch ground mace or cinnamon
1/2tspgaram masala
pinchnutmeg powder
1/2tspdiluted kewra essence, or sub rose water
1/4cupcilantro leaves, chopped, optional – for garnish
10-12blanched almonds, for garnish
Instructions
Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pan over high heat. Once hot, add the oil and onions and sauté the onions until they are golden brown (~20-25 minutes depending on quantity). Remove the onions from the pan and transfer them to a food processor. Add tomatoes (if using) and yogurt to the food processor and process until mostly smooth.
In the same pan used to brown onions, heat ghee (or oil) and add the whole spices, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds or until the garlic and ginger begin to darken. Add the chicken and fry it until it changes color (~5 minutes).
Add the yogurt mixture to chicken along with the ground spices, salt, and green chili peppers and sauté until the mixture comes to a light simmer (~2-3 minutes).
Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and allow it to cook for 15 minutes. Uncover and stir in the black cardamom (if using), mace, garam masala, and nutmeg powder. Cover and cook again for 10 minutes.
Raise the heat to high. Add 1/2 to 3/4 cup of water (depending on how thin you’d like the curry) and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and allow chicken to simmer for another 2-3 minutes. The oil will have risen to the top. Sprinkle the kewra essence and stir.
Turn off the heat and garnish with cilantro and blanched almonds.
Notes
*See notes: If you prefer not to use tomatoes, simply increase the amount of yogurt if desired.