Saagwala Chicken, a vibrant and flavorful dish, is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of India. This creamy, subtly spiced chicken curry boasts tender chicken pieces enveloped in a luscious spinach sauce, a delightful balance of textures and tastes. The aromatic blend of spices, including ginger, garlic, and chilies, creates a depth of flavor that lingers long after the last bite. Forget bland, boring chicken dinners – this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.
Prepare yourself for a culinary adventure as we guide you through each step of creating this exquisite dish. From preparing the aromatic base to achieving the perfect spinach consistency, this step-by-step guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to make restaurant-quality Saagwala Chicken in the comfort of your own kitchen. Let’s get cooking!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Blender/food processor
- Pan
Ingredients
- Baby spinach
- Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Green cardamoms: 4
- Bay leaf: 1
- Cinnamon stick: 1
- Cumin seeds: 1 teaspoon
- Salt
- Oil: 2 tbsp
- Ghee: 2 tbsp
- Plain yogurt
- Turmeric powder: 1/4 teaspoon
- Chili powder: 1 teaspoon
- Ground coriander: 1 heaping tbsp
- Ground cumin: 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Cilantro (coriander leaves)
- Green chilies
- Dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi): 1 teaspoon
- Dried thyme
- Garam masala powder: 1 teaspoon
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Water
- Large tomatoes
- Lemon or lime juice: 1 teaspoon
- Dry red chilies: 4
- Crema (optional): 1 tbsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Spinach and Aromatics
- Blanch spinach in boiling water with salt and baking soda for 30-40 seconds. Immediately transfer to ice water to retain color.
- Squeeze out excess water from spinach and pulse in a blender until slightly coarse.
- Heat oil and ghee in a pan. Add bay leaf, cinnamon stick, green cardamoms, cumin seeds, and chopped onions. Fry until onions are light golden brown.
- In a separate small pan, gently fry garlic cloves until golden brown. Add dry red chilies for smoky flavor.
Step 2. Cook the Chicken and Build Flavor
- Add grated ginger and garlic. Stir in the chicken and sear until lightly browned on all sides.
- In a separate bowl, mix yogurt with turmeric powder, chili powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, and ground black pepper.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, add the yogurt mixture. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes.
Step 3. Incorporate Spinach and Spices
- Add pureed spinach, cilantro, green chilies (optional), salt, kasuri methi (or thyme), and stir frequently until the water dries up.
- Stir in garam masala powder and sugar.
- Add hot water (optional) for gravy, cover and simmer for 8 minutes until chicken is tender. Add tomatoes and lemon juice.
Step 4. Finish and Garnish
- Drizzle the garlic-chili oil over the chicken curry, and optionally add a drizzle of crema, sour cream, or heavy cream.
Read more: Creamy Cashew Chicken Curry: A Simple Yet Sumptuous Recipe
Tips
- Using baking soda helps retain the spinach's green color.
- Don't over-process the spinach; a slightly coarse texture is best.
- Ghee adds a nutty flavor, but oil can be used instead.
- Omit green cardamoms if serving to picky eaters.
- Brown the onions patiently for the best flavor; timing may vary.
- Take cold yogurt out of the fridge 30 minutes beforehand to prevent curdling.
- For a brighter green dish, cook the chicken first then add the spinach at the end.
- The final step with fried garlic and chilies adds a delicious smoky flavor and lifts the dish.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the curry. This will prevent a watery sauce.
2. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to adjust the spice level to your preference. You can also use a spicier curry powder blend.
Enjoy your delicious and aromatic Garlicky Spinach Chicken Curry! This recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a truly memorable meal. We hope you savor every flavorful bite!