Mild Chicken Curry
A very gentle and soft chicken curry, perfectly suited for young children. Boneless chicken is simmered in a mild, creamy yogurt and tomato gravy with minimal spices, making it easy to eat and digest. A nutritious and tasty first introduction to Indian flavors for your little one.
For 4 servings
Sauté the aromatics.
- Heat ghee in a small pan or pot over medium-low heat.
- Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the ginger paste and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
TIPKeeping the heat low prevents the delicate spices from burning and ensures a mild flavor base.Cook the tomato masala.
- Pour in the tomato puree.
- Add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder.
- Mix well and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the masala thickens slightly.
TIPFor a very smooth gravy, you can blend this masala with a hand blender before proceeding to the next step.Incorporate the yogurt.
Turn the heat down to the lowest setting. Slowly pour in the whisked yogurt while stirring continuously. This is important to prevent the yogurt from curdling.
TIPYou can also take the pan off the heat for a moment while you stir in the yogurt to be extra safe.Simmer the chicken until tender.
- Add the small chicken pieces to the gravy along with the pinch of salt.
- Stir to coat the chicken well.
- Pour in the water and bring the curry to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pan and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and very tender.
Garnish and serve.
Stir in the finely chopped coriander leaves. Let the curry rest for a couple of minutes to cool slightly. Before serving, you can mash the chicken pieces with the back of a spoon if needed for younger toddlers.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure Tenderness: The chicken should be extremely tender. If it's not soft enough after 12 minutes, add a little more water and simmer for a few more minutes.
- 2Vegetable Boost: You can add finely grated or pureed vegetables like carrot or zucchini to the masala for extra nutrients.
- 3Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This curry also freezes well in individual portions.
- 4Serving Suggestion: Serve this curry with soft roti, plain rice, or on its own. Ensure it has cooled to a safe temperature before feeding your child.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this curry is designed to be healthy for toddlers. It's high in protein for growth, low in salt and spices, and uses healthy fats from ghee. It's a great way to introduce new flavors gently.
