Serving Details
- Serves: 4
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Recipe Description
Koyla Karahi is a delicious, smoky-flavored Pakistani dish cooked in a wok-like pan known as a ‘karahi’. The key to its unique taste is the smoky aroma imparted by burning charcoal and adding it to the dish. The combination of tender chicken and aromatic spices creates a flavorful curry perfect for any occasion. Serve with naan or rice for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
- 500g chicken (cut into pieces)
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon coriander powder
- 1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves (chopped)
- 1 piece of charcoal (for smoking)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Heat oil in a large karahi or pan over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and allow them to splutter.
- Next, add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
- Now, add the chicken pieces and cook until they turn golden brown.
- Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir well and cook until the tomatoes soften.
Step 3: Simmer and Add Spices
- Add garam masala and a little water to create a thick gravy. Let it simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
Step 4: Infuse the Smoke
- In a small bowl, heat the charcoal on an open flame until red-hot.
- Place the hot charcoal in a small steel bowl and place it inside the karahi with the chicken.
- Drizzle a little oil over the hot charcoal to create smoke, cover the karahi immediately, and let the chicken absorb the smoky flavor for 5-7 minutes.
Step 5: Serve
- Once the dish is infused with smoke, remove the charcoal and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with naan, paratha, or steamed rice.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 3g
FAQs
Can I use any other meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with lamb or beef, but the cooking time will vary depending on the meat used.
Can I skip the smoking step?
While the smoky flavor is a key part of the dish, you can skip this step if you don’t have charcoal. The dish will still taste delicious without it.
How do I make the gravy thicker?
If you prefer a thicker gravy, cook the curry uncovered for a longer time to reduce the liquid, or add a tablespoon of cream or yogurt to thicken the sauce.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, Koyla Karahi can be prepared in advance and reheated before serving. The flavors will deepen after sitting for a few hours or overnight.
