Chicken Nihari: A Royal Delicacy

Chicken nihari is an extremely popular dish from the royal kitchen of the Nawabs of Lucknow. The name 'Nihari' comes from the Arabic word 'nahar' which means morning. This delicious and spicy chicken recipe was traditionally cooked for breakfast of the Nawab. However, in the present times this exotic dish is generally prepared during special occasions like festivals, marriage etc.

Nihari is traditionally made with mutton or beef. But we can also prepare a lighter and simpler version of this delightful recipe using chicken. The chicken is first cooked in a spicy and aromatic curry and is later tempered with a special mix of spices fried in desi ghee.

Another interesting fact about this delicious chicken recipe is that it is also a great homemade remedy for common cold and fever. So, try out this exotic recipe of chicken nihari and enjoy the royal delight.

Serves: 3-4

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time: 1½ hours

Ingredients

• Chicken- 1kg (with bone, cut into pieces)
• Onions- 3 (sliced)
• Ginger-garlic paste- 2tsp
• Red chilli powder- 1tsp
• Turmeric powder- 1tsp
• Coriander powder- 1tsp
• Coriander leaves- 2tbsp (chopped)
• Bay leaf- 1
• Cinnamon stick- 1
• Whole wheat flour- 2tbsp
• Salt- as per taste
• Ghee- 1tbsp
• Oil- 2tbsp
• Water- 2 cups

For Nihari Masala

• Fennel seeds- 2tbsp
• Cumin seeds- 2tbsp
• Green cardamoms- 4
• Black cardamom- 1
• Cloves- 8
• Black peppercorns- 15
• Nutmeg- 1tsp
• Cinnamon stick- 1
• Bay leaf- 1
• Dry ginger powder- 1tsp

Procedure

1. Grind all the items listed under 'Nihari Masala' into a fine powder in a mixer and keep it aside.
2. Clean and wash the chicken pieces thoroughly.
3. Heat one tablespoon of oil in a pan and fry the chicken pieces for about 10 minutes on a medium flame till they become golden brown.
4. Remove the chicken from flame and keep it aside.
5. Now heat oil in a pan and add onions. Fry for 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown.
6. Add ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, coriander powder, half teaspoon of red chilli powder, one teaspoon of the prepared nihari masala, half a cup of water and cook for another 2 minutes.
7. Now add the fried chicken pieces to it and cook for 2 minutes.
8. Add salt and a cup of water to it. Mix well.
9. Dissolve the whole wheat flour in half a cup of water and pour it in the pan.
10. Allow it to boil. Cover the pan and cook for about 45 minutes on very a low flame.Stir at short intervals.
11. After 45 minutes, remove the lid and with the help of a fork check if the chicken is well cooked or not.
12. Once done, switch off the flame and keep it aside.
13. Heat ghee in another pan and add half teaspoon of red chilli powder and one teaspoon of the nihari masala. Fry for a few seconds and add it to the cooked chicken curry.
14. Garnish the chicken with chopped coriander leaves.

Enjoy chicken nihari with steamed rice or rotis.