Chicken Handi

Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot or wok, ensuring it is spacious enough to hold all the chicken pieces comfortably. Once the oil shimmers with heat, add the thinly sliced onions and fry them gently, stirring occasionally. Cook until they achieve a deep golden brown hue, which adds wonderful sweetness and a caramelized depth of flavor to the dish. Remove the fried onions with a slotted spoon and set them aside on a plate. Next, introduce the chopped garlic to the same pot, sautéing for about a minute until fragrant. Then add the finely chopped tomatoes and cook them down until they are soft and pulpy, approximately five minutes. This step creates a rich base for your curry sauce. Return the fried onions to the pot and stir them in thoroughly. Add the ginger paste and continue sautéing well to blend all the flavors. Sprinkle in the cumin seeds, half of the coriander seeds, and the chopped green chilies, giving everything a quick stir to release their essential oils. Proceed to add the ground turmeric powder and red chili powder. Sauté these spices with the mixture for a couple of minutes, allowing their vibrant colors and aromas to infuse throughout. Now gently add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt according to your taste. Cover the pot and cook on medium-low heat for about 15 minutes, letting the chicken cook slowly and absorb the spice blend. This slow cooking is crucial for deep flavor development and tender texture; avoid increasing the heat too much, as it might toughen the chicken. When you notice the oil starting to separate from the spices, reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Carefully add the beaten yogurt, stirring to combine without letting it curdle. Sprinkle in the remaining coriander seeds and half of the dried fenugreek leaves, mixing well to incorporate. Finally, stir in the cream for an extra layer of richness and give the entire curry a final, gentle mix to meld all the ingredients seamlessly. Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining kasuri methi and garam masala over the top to enhance the aroma and taste. Serve your Chicken Handi hot, accompanied by soft naan bread or freshly made rotis to enjoy a truly satisfying and flavorful meal.