Creamy Chicken Handi (Restaurant Style)

Serves 4 | Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins

"A handi is a flavor cauldron – where cream, tomatoes, and spices emulsify into velvet under high heat."

🧂 Ingredients

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Onion Paste (The Secret)

1. Fry 2 sliced onions in 2 tbsp ghee until dark golden (12-15 mins).
2. Blend with 2 tbsp water → smooth paste.

2. Sear Chicken

1. Heat 2 tbsp ghee → sear chicken on HIGH 3 mins → remove.
2. ⚠️ Don’t cook through – just seal juices.

3. Build Gravy

1. Same pot → melt butter + 1 tbsp ghee.
2. Add cumin → sizzle → ginger-garlic paste → sauté 30 sec.
3. Add onion paste → fry 3 mins until glossy.
4. Add tomato purée + all spices → cook 8 mins until oil separates and the masala is a deep crimson.

4. Cream Fusion

1. Reduce heat → whisk in yogurt → cook 2 mins.
2. Add chicken + green chilies → simmer 5 mins.
3. Stir in cream → DO NOT BOIL (cream splits!).

5. Finish Like a Chef

1. Turn off heat → add:
   • Kasuri methi (crushed between palms).
   • Garam masala.
   • 1 tbsp butter → stir gently.
2. Rest 5 mins (⚠️ essential for flavors to marry).

🌟 Restaurant Secrets

• Onion Paste: Dark frying creates a caramel sweetness that balances the tomatoes.
• Cream Control: Add cream OFF the heat; the residual warmth will thicken it without curdling.
• Butter Finish: Cold butter stirred in last creates a glossy "lacquer" effect.
• Handi Advantage: The porous walls of a clay pot concentrate flavors. A heavy-bottomed pan is a good substitute.

🍽️ Serving Ritual

Garnish with:

• Ginger juliennes
• Fresh coriander
• A drizzle of cream
• Extra kasuri methi

Pair With:

• Garlic naan or butter roti
• Lemon wedge + sliced onions
• Mint raita

"Perfect handi gravy coats the back of a spoon – neither thick nor runny, but a silken cascade."

🔥 Pro Variations

Storage Tip: Tastes better the next day! Reheat on low with a splash of milk.

✅ Common Mistakes & Fixes

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Pairing:

• Drink: Mango lassi
• Dessert: Gulab jamun