Akbari Murgh Masala
A royal Mughlai chicken curry where tender chicken pieces are simmered in a rich, creamy gravy made with cashews, yogurt, and aromatic spices. This decadent dish, fit for an emperor, is perfect for special occasions and celebratory meals.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 40 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Chicken
- b.In a large non-metallic bowl, combine the chicken pieces, whisked curd, 1/2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- c.Mix thoroughly to ensure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Gravy Pastes
- b.Soak the cashew nuts in 1/2 cup of hot water for 15-20 minutes to soften them.
- c.While the cashews soak, add the roughly chopped onions to a blender and blend into a very smooth paste. Do not add water.
- d.Drain the soaked cashews and blend them with 2-3 tbsp of fresh water to create a fine, creamy paste. Set both pastes aside separately.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Onion Paste
- b.Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat. Once hot, add the whole spices: cinnamon stick, green cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaf.
- c.Sauté for about 30-45 seconds until they become fragrant.
- d.Add the prepared onion paste and the remaining 1 tbsp of ginger-garlic paste. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently, until the paste turns a light golden brown and the ghee begins to separate at the edges.
- e.Add the coriander powder and cook for another minute, stirring continuously.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Chicken
- b.Add the marinated chicken along with all the marinade to the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high and sauté for 6-8 minutes, until the chicken is sealed and lightly browned on all sides.
- c.Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cashew paste and the remaining 1 tsp of salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking, until the masala is fragrant and oil starts to ooze out.
- d.Pour in 1 cup of warm water, stir well to combine everything, and bring the gravy to a gentle simmer.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Simmer and Finish
- b.Cover the pan with a lid and let the curry simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Stir occasionally.
- c.While the curry simmers, lightly toast the kasuri methi in a dry pan for 30 seconds, then crush it between your palms.
- d.Once the chicken is cooked, turn off the heat. Stir in the fresh cream, garam masala, crushed kasuri methi, and optional kewra water.
- e.Gently mix everything. Let the curry rest for 5 minutes for the flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the creamiest gravy, use full-fat yogurt and whisk it well before marinating to prevent curdling.
- 2The key to a flavorful Mughlai curry is 'bhunai' (sautéing). Don't rush the process of browning the onion paste.
- 3Always add warm water to the curry to maintain the temperature and prevent the chicken from becoming tough.
- 4Do not boil the curry after adding fresh cream, as it can cause it to split. Stir it in gently with the heat turned off.
- 5For a deeper flavor, you can marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- 6This dish pairs exceptionally well with naan, sheermal, or a fragrant basmati rice pulao.
Adapt it for your goals.
Nut-Free Version
Replace cashew nuts with an equal amount of soaked poppy seeds (khus khus) or melon seeds (magaz) to make the paste.
Vegetarian AlternativeVegetarian Alternative
Substitute chicken with 400g of paneer cubes. Add the paneer in the last 5-7 minutes of simmering to keep it soft.
Richer GravyRicher Gravy
For an even more decadent gravy, use blanched and peeled almonds instead of or in addition to cashews.
Spicier KickSpicier Kick
Add 2-3 slit green chilies along with the onion paste for an extra layer of heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality lean protein, essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall body function.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Cashews and ghee provide monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help in managing cholesterol levels when consumed in moderation.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic contain powerful compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, which can help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Akbari Murgh Masala contains approximately 450-550 calories, depending on the cut of chicken used (bone-in vs. boneless) and the amount of ghee and cream.