Search

Koyla Karahi Recipe

Home » Written Recipes » Koyla Karahi Recipe
karahi

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.

You May Like

Latest Recipes

Top 10

Chefs Biography

Spiced Cider Tea

Spiced Cider Tea Recipe

Place the cinnamon stick, cloves, and peppercorns in a medium saucepan. Add 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 5 minutes.

ginger lemonade

Ginger Lemonade Recipe

In an 8-quart saucepan, combine sugar, water and ginger root. Heat until boil and stir occasionally and remove from heat.

Charred corn, chicken & tortilla salad with chipotle yogurt dressing

Easy Italian Salad Recipe

In a bowl, add carrot, iceberg, cucumber, tomato, green olive, salt, olive oil, oregano, lemon juice, black pepper powder, cheddar cheese,

beef wagyu salad

Beef wagyu salad

For the sauce: whisk the fish sauce, lime juice and brown sugar until the sugar has melted then add fresh garlic, chili, coriander and chopped red onion.

Clean the beef, removing all string and some excess fat and marinate with the oyster sauce.

Marinate the cucumber, sliced onion, cherry tomato, spring onion with salt and squeeze half of the fresh lime.

Pan-sear the beef until it’s cooked ‘medium’ and slice it.

Plate the beef and decorate with the cucumber, sliced onion, cherry tomato and spring onion.

lomo saltado

Lomo saltado (Beef stir-fry)

Make the marinade by mixing all the ingredients together in a large bowl. Add the meat to the bowl and mix so that it is well covered. Cover with cling film and leave in the fridge for at least 2 hrs, overnight if you have time. Drain the meat, reserving the marinade. Heat the oil in a wok over a high heat until just smoking, then add the meat – be careful, the oil might splutter. Cook as quickly as possible, tossing it until the meat is browned on all sides. Add the red onion and cook for 1 min. Add the tomato and chilli, then immediately spoon in the Pisco. Pour over the reserved marinade and chilli paste, stir well, turn off the heat and leave the meat to rest in the sauce for a couple of mins. Garnish with coriander and serve with chunky chips, if you like.

recipe image legacy id 3980 11

Steak with pizzaiola sauce

Make the sauce. If using fresh tomatoes, roughly chop them. Place in a pan with the garlic, oil, oregano or marjoram and season to taste. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 10 mins, stirring once or twice. Take off the heat, stir in the basil, then set aside. When ready to serve, heat a heavy-based frying pan until you can feel a strong heat rising. Smear the oil on both sides of the steak and season each side. Slap the steak into the centre of the pan and adjust the heat to medium-high. Cook for 6 mins, turning halfway through – this is for medium rare. For a medium steak, allow 7-8 mins in total, allow 8-10 mins for well done. Remove from the pan to a warm platter and leave to stand for 5 mins. Cut in two and serve drizzled with any juices and topped with the sauce.