Growing up, we rarely ate boneless chicken. It was pretty obvious that some fantastic Chicken Jalfrezi was on the way when my mother defrosted some. For my siblings, Karahi Chicken is the standard, go-to chicken recipe, just like it is for many other families.
This is a lovely homestyle recipe that has a wonderful flavor without the overpowering “bazaari” flavor of packet masalas. This simple chicken jalfrezi, which I make almost as well as she does, will always bring back memories of my mother.
What distinguishes a Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe?
Like my Chicken Masala, this Easy Chicken Jalfrezi has an onion base, unlike the traditional Karahi, which has no onions at all. Green Pepper or Capsicum, on the other hand, is the component that truly distinguishes Chicken Jalfrezi. At this point, I have to admit that I much prefer the Urdu name Shimla Mirch. You know, more personality? I’ve examined my affection for Shimla Mirch before in this straightforward sabzi, however every time I add it into a dish I’m helped to remember it’s transfomative impact.
One more thing that sets this simple chicken jalfrezi recipe apart is that it includes soy sauce, a traditionally Asian ingredient. The umami provided by the soy sauce cannot be matched. However, I must confess that while I was growing up, we always had ajinomoto in it, but now that public opinion has turned against it, I no longer use it.
Five Steps to Making Chicken Jalfrezi
First Step: Step two: Saute an onion until translucent Step 3: Saute the chicken with 1 tsp. ginger paste and 1/2 tsp. garlic paste until it changes color. Add the spices and tomatoes, and cook over low heat, covered, until the chicken is tender and the oil starts to rise to the top. Step 5: Increase the heat to “bhunn” or “sauté” the masala until the oil rises above it. Cook the green peppers on low until they are almost tender, then add the finishing touches.
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless chicken, 12 diced onions, 1 tsp ginger paste, 1 tsp garlic paste, 2 diced tomatoes, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1 diced green pepper, 3-4 sliced green chilies, halved, 12-3/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper Instructions: Heat 3-4 tbsp of oil in a wok or saucepan Combine well and cook until the pieces are all colored.
Add the tomatoes, salt, and chili powder, and simmer the chicken covered until it is tender. With frozen chicken, this takes about 20 minutes; fresh chicken usually takes less time.
Add the green peppers and soy sauce, mix well, and cook partially covered for 5-7 minutes until the green peppers are crisp and tender. Adjust the seasoning by stirring in the sliced chilies and black pepper. You may need a pinch of salt. Dig in!
