Authentic and Savory Bhuna Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 600g boneless chicken, cut into pieces
  • 3 medium-sized onions, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
  • 3 medium-sized tomatoes, pureed
  • 2 green chillies, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
  • 2 teaspoons coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander leaves for garnish

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 golden brown.
  3. Add the ginger-garlic paste to the pan and sauté for another 2 minutes.
  4. Add the pureed tomatoes, chopped green chillies, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and salt to the pan. Mix well and cook until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
  5. Add the chicken pieces to the pan and mix well until all the pieces are coated with the spice mixture. Cook until the chicken is half cooked.
  6. Add the garam masala powder to the pan, mix well, and continue to cook until the chicken is fully cooked and the spices are well blended with the chicken.
  7. Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Tools for making

  • Large Pan - A large pan is needed to cook the chicken and sauté the onions and spices.
  • Knife and Cutting Board - These tools are necessary to chop the onions and cut the chicken into pieces.
  • Grinder or Blender - A grinder or blender can be used to make the ginger-garlic paste and puree the tomatoes.
  • Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons are essential to accurately measure the spices for the recipe.
  • Spatula or Wooden Spoon - A spatula or wooden spoon will be used for stirring the ingredients in the pan.
  • Garnishing Tool - A tool for chopping fresh coriander leaves for garnishing the dish.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute chicken with lamb or beef for a different protein option.
  • Add vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or potatoes to make it a chicken and vegetable bhuna.
  • For a spicier version, increase the amount of red chilli powder or add additional chopped green chillies.
  • Add a tablespoon of yogurt to make the gravy creamier.
  • For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or tofu.
  • Experiment with different spices like cumin, cinnamon, or cardamom to personalize the flavor profile.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice or sprinkle chaat masala for a tangy twist.
  • Garnish with fried onions or roasted cashews for added texture and flavor.
  • Adjust the level of spice by reducing or increasing the amount of chilli powder according to personal preference.

Recipe overview

This delicious Bhuna Chicken recipe is a traditional Indian dish known for its rich, deep flavor. The recipe involves cooking chicken with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of Indian spices until the meat is tender and the flavors are well combined. The result is a thick, aromatic curry that's bursting with flavor. This Bhuna Chicken recipe is fairly simple to prepare, with most of the time spent on sautéing the ingredients to bring out their full flavor. Serve it with rice or naan for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Common questions

  1. Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless chicken? Yes, you can use bone-in chicken for this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as bone-in chicken may take slightly longer to cook.
  2. Can I use any other meat instead of chicken? Absolutely! This recipe can be made with other meats like lamb, beef, or even shrimp. Adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat you choose.
  3. Is there a substitute for garam masala powder? If you don't have garam masala powder, you can make a substitute by combining equal parts of ground cumin, coriander, and cardamom. This will give a similar flavor profile to the dish.
  4. How spicy is this dish? The level of spiciness in this dish can be adjusted according to your preference. If you prefer it milder, you can reduce the amount of red chilli powder or omit the green chillies.
  5. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop further. Just reheat it before serving.
  6. What can I serve this dish with? Bhuna is typically served with rice, naan bread, or roti. It also pairs well with a side of raita (yogurt sauce) and pickles.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pan - A large pan is needed to cook the chicken and spices.
  • Spatula - A spatula is useful for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pan.
  • Knife - A knife is required to chop the onions, tomatoes, and green chillies.
  • Blender - A blender or food processor is needed to puree the tomatoes.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are useful to accurately measure the spices.
  • Chopping board - A chopping board is needed for cutting the chicken and vegetables.
  • Garnishing plate - A plate or bowl is required to hold the chopped fresh coriander leaves for garnishing.

Origin stories

Bhuna, deriving its name from the Urdu word 'bhunna', which means 'to roast', has its roots entrenched deeply in the culinary heritage of the Indian subcontinent. It's a cooking technique where spices are fried in oil to bring out their flavor, then meat is added and cooked in its own juices, leading to a deep, rich, and aromatic dish with little or no water added. This method intensifies the flavors, making Bhuna a much-loved cornerstone of Indian cuisine. This dish is renowned for its thick and intensely flavored sauce which clings lovingly to the meat, demanding to be savored with every mouthful. The joy of Bhuna lies in its slow-cooked method, where patience brings out the best flavors, harking back to a time when cooking was a leisurely and loving affair.

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.