Lasan ma Marghi
A classic Parsi delight, this dish features tender chicken pieces cooked in a bold and aromatic garlic-based gravy. The unique sweet and tangy notes from sugarcane vinegar and a hint of jaggery create a truly unforgettable and authentic culinary experience.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Chicken
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder, and 0.5 tsp of salt.
- c.Mix thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
- d.Cover and set aside to marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onions.
- c.Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and have turned a light golden brown.
- d.Add the minced garlic, whole garlic cloves, and slit green chillies. Sauté for another 2 minutes until the raw garlic aroma disappears and it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Chicken
- b.Increase the heat to medium-high and add the marinated chicken to the pan.
- c.Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes, turning the pieces to brown them on all sides.
- d.Add the coriander powder and cumin powder. Stir and cook for 1 minute until the spices are aromatic.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer the Curry
- b.Pour in 1 cup of warm water, the sugarcane vinegar, grated jaggery, and the remaining 0.75 tsp of salt. Stir well to combine everything and dissolve the jaggery.
- c.Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- d.Cover the pan and let the curry simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through, and the oil starts to separate at the edges of the gravy.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Uncover the pan, stir in the garam masala, and cook for one final minute.
- c.Check for seasoning and adjust salt, vinegar, or jaggery if needed to balance the flavors.
- d.Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most tender and flavorful result, use bone-in chicken thighs or a mix of thighs and drumsticks.
- 2Marinating the chicken overnight in the refrigerator will significantly enhance the flavor.
- 3If you cannot find sugarcane vinegar, apple cider vinegar is the next best substitute.
- 4The key to this dish is not to burn the garlic. Sauté it on medium-low heat until just fragrant.
- 5For a richer gravy, you can add 1 tablespoon of cashew paste along with the water.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the chicken with 400g of paneer cubes or 4 large boiled potatoes, cut into chunks. Add them during the last 5-7 minutes of simmering to prevent them from breaking apart.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the number of green chillies to 5-6 or add 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper powder along with the garam masala at the end.
Creamier GravyCreamier Gravy
Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of fresh cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier texture. Do not boil after adding cream.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Immunity Boosting
Garlic, the star ingredient, is rich in allicin, a compound known for its potent antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting properties.
Rich in Protein
Chicken is an excellent source of high-quality lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and overall body function.
Anti-inflammatory Spices
The use of spices like turmeric and ginger provides anti-inflammatory benefits. Curcumin in turmeric is a powerful antioxidant that helps combat inflammation in the body.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Lasan ma Marghi contains approximately 380-420 calories, primarily from the chicken and ghee. The exact count can vary based on the cut of chicken used.