How One Family Meal Always Stayed On The Menu Of Memories

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Childhood memories always hold a special place in our hearts, right? These are the moments we treasure, the ones that bring a warm, nostalgic smile to our faces. Among my most cherished memories are the rare but precious outings with my parents. Despite their hectic work schedules, my dad made it a point to carve out time for us. One such tradition that still lingers in my mind was our visits to a particular little restaurant after our shopping trips.

This wasn't just any restaurant; it was our special spot, a place that became a signature part of our family outings. It might have been modest in size, but it felt grand to us because of the joy it brought. Every time we went, there was one dish we eagerly anticipated-Chicken 65.

As kids, we were captivated by more than just its delicious flavor. The vibrant red color of the dish was mesmerizing, making it feel almost magical. Whether it was the authentic recipe or not, we didn't care. What mattered was the joy it brought to our table, the laughter, and the sense of togetherness it symbolized.

Over time, our love for Chicken 65 inspired my mom to create her own version. Unlike the traditional deep-fried, Indo-Chinese recipe, her adaptation had a distinctly Indian touch, infused with her unique flair and, of course, a whole lot of love.

There's something indescribably comforting about food prepared by your mother. It carries a special warmth and taste that no recipe can replicate. Even now, whenever I visit her, I look forward to her version of Chicken 65. Despite my best efforts to recreate it, it never quite matches the magic of her hands.

Why not give this homemade version a try? So here goes the recipe for....

Desi Style Chicken 65

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How To Prepare Desi Style Chicken 65

What Goes In

• 1 kg boneless chicken, cut into small to medium pieces
• 3-4 tablespoons yoghurt
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• ½ teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 tablespoon red chilli powder
• ½ teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon black pepper powder
• Oil for frying
• 4-5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2-3 green chillies, sliced
• A handful of curry leaves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chilli sauce or chilli tomato sauce

Let's Get Cooking!

Marinate the Chicken:

• In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with yoghurt, ginger-garlic paste, coriander powder, red chilli powder, garam masala, and black pepper powder.
• Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
• Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to marinate.

Fry The Chicken:

• Heat oil in a saucepan over high heat.
• Add the marinated chicken pieces and fry for a few seconds on high flame.
• Reduce the heat to medium and continue frying until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
• Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce:

• In another pan, heat a little oil and add the chopped garlic, green chillies, and curry leaves. Sauté until fragrant.
• Add lemon juice and chilli sauce, stirring well to combine.
• Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce and mix until the chicken is well coated.
• Cook for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Chicken 65 is ready to serve. Enjoy it with bread, roti, paratha or chapati and make some good moments and memories with your loved ones!