Authentic and Flavorful Chicken Jalfrezi: An Indian Classic

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of chicken, cut into pieces
  • 3 medium-sized onions, finely chopped
  • 2 green bell peppers, chopped into squares
  • 4 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons of garlic paste
  • 2 teaspoons of ginger paste
  • 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons of cumin powder
  • 2 teaspoons of coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon of garam masala
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnishing
  • 2-3 green chilies, slit for garnishing

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the finely chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they turn a golden brown color.
  3. Add the garlic and ginger paste to the pan and stir well.
  4. Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, and coriander powder to the pan. Stir well and cook for a couple of minutes until the spices are well blended with the onion mixture.
  5. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and the spices are well mixed with the tomatoes.
  6. Add the chicken pieces to the pan and stir well. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and is well coated with the spices.
  7. Add the chopped bell peppers to the pan and stir well. Cook for a few minutes until the bell peppers are tender but still crisp.
  8. Add salt to taste and the garam masala. Stir well and cook for a couple of minutes more.
  9. Garnish the dish with chopped coriander leaves and slit green chilies.
  10. Serve the Chicken Jalfrezi hot with naan or rice.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - Used for chopping vegetables and chicken.
  • Knife - Essential for cutting and slicing ingredients.
  • Large pan - Used for cooking the chicken Jalfrezi.
  • Stirring spoon - Used for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pan.
  • Measuring spoons - Used to accurately measure the spices and ingredients.
  • Serving dish - Used to present the cooked Chicken Jalfrezi.

Recipe variations

  • Paneer Jalfrezi: Substitute chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) for a vegetarian version.
  • Vegetable Jalfrezi: Skip the chicken and add a variety of vegetables like carrots, peas, cauliflower, and bell peppers.
  • Shrimp Jalfrezi: Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
  • Lamb Jalfrezi: Use lamb meat instead of chicken for a rich and flavorful variation.
  • Tofu Jalfrezi: Replace chicken with tofu for a vegan option.
  • Spicy Jalfrezi: Increase the amount of red chili powder or add some chopped green chilies for an extra kick of heat.
  • Creamy Jalfrezi: Stir in some heavy cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking for a creamy and milder version.
  • Cashew Jalfrezi: Add toasted cashew nuts for a crunchy and nutty twist.
  • Mushroom Jalfrezi: Replace chicken with mushrooms for a earthy and flavorful variation.
  • Egg Jalfrezi: Add boiled eggs to the dish for a protein-packed option.

Recipe overview

Chicken Jalfrezi is a popular Indian dish that is a delight for all spice lovers. This flavorful recipe is packed with a variety of spices and succulent chicken pieces, cooked with onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes. The dish is known for its rich and tangy gravy accompanied by the heat from green chilies. It's perfect for a hearty dinner and pairs well with naan or rice. The best part? It's easy to make, and the ingredients are readily accessible. The step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of making this delicious dish at home. Enjoy the fusion of flavors and the aromatic scent that will fill your kitchen as you prepare Chicken Jalfrezi.

Common questions

  1. How spicy is Chicken Jalfrezi?
    Chicken Jalfrezi can be as spicy as you prefer. The level of spiciness can be adjusted by adding more or less red chili powder and green chilies according to your taste.
  2. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
    Yes, you can use boneless chicken for Chicken Jalfrezi. Simply cut the boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces and follow the recipe as directed.
  3. Can I use other vegetables instead of bell peppers?
    Yes, you can customize the recipe by adding other vegetables of your choice. Some popular options include onions, carrots, peas, or even mushrooms. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly for different vegetables.
  4. Can I make Chicken Jalfrezi ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make Chicken Jalfrezi ahead of time. After preparing the dish, allow it to cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
  5. What can I serve with Chicken Jalfrezi?
    Chicken Jalfrezi pairs well with naan bread, roti, or steamed rice. You can also serve it with a side of raita (yogurt dip) or a fresh salad to complement the flavors.
  6. Is Chicken Jalfrezi a traditional Indian dish?
    Chicken Jalfrezi is a popular Indian dish that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It is known for its rich and spicy flavors and is often enjoyed as a main course in Indian cuisine.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting Board - A sturdy cutting board to chop the vegetables and cut the chicken.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for slicing the onions, chopping the bell peppers, and cutting the chicken into pieces.
  • Large Pan - A large pan or skillet to cook the Chicken Jalfrezi.
  • Spatula - A spatula or wooden spoon for stirring and flipping the ingredients in the pan.
  • Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons to accurately measure the spices used in the recipe.
  • Garnishing Tools - Tools such as kitchen shears or a knife for chopping fresh coriander leaves.
  • Serving Platter - A serving platter or dish to present and serve the Chicken Jalfrezi.

Origin stories

Chicken Jalfrezi has an interesting tale attached to its origin that intertwines the threads of history and innovation. During the British Raj in India, the colonial officers found themselves with leftovers from the previous day. Not being fond of wasting food, they requested their Indian cooks to revive the leftover meat by stir-frying it with chili and onion. This led to the creation of what we now know as Chicken Jalfrezi, 'Jal' meaning spicy and 'Frezi' meaning suitable for diet. Thus, what started as a clever means to save leftovers in an era gone by, has now evolved into a dish that is savored and relished across the globe.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.