Murgh Jodhpuri
A fiery and aromatic chicken curry from the heart of Rajasthan. Tender chicken pieces are simmered in a rich, yogurt-based gravy infused with whole spices, creating a dish that's both rustic and royal. Perfect with hot rotis or rice.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Chicken
- b.In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, whisked curd, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, 1 tsp red chili powder, and 1 tsp of salt.
- c.Mix thoroughly to ensure each piece of chicken is well-coated.
- d.Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or for best results, refrigerate for 2-4 hours.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Onions
- b.Heat 4 tbsp of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Add the whole spices: bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, green cardamoms, and black cardamom. Sauté for 30-40 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the finely chopped onions and sauté, stirring frequently, for 10-12 minutes until they turn a deep golden brown.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Masala
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Add the powdered spices: Kashmiri red chili powder, the remaining 1 tsp red chili powder, and coriander powder. Stir for 30 seconds.
- c.Immediately add the tomato puree and the remaining 0.5 tsp of salt to prevent the spices from burning.
- d.Cook the masala, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the oil begins to separate from the mixture.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Chicken
- b.Add the marinated chicken along with all the marinade to the pan.
- c.Increase the heat to high and stir continuously for 5-7 minutes. This is crucial to cook the yogurt without it splitting and to seal the chicken.
- d.Once the gravy comes to a boil and thickens slightly, reduce the heat to low.
- e.Cover the pan and let the chicken simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 5-7 minutes to prevent sticking.
- f.The curry is done when the chicken is tender and oil floats on top. Add the slit green chilies during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Garnish
- b.Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the garam masala powder.
- c.Turn off the heat, garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves, and let the curry rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- 6
Step 6
- a.(Optional) Dhungar Method for Smoky Flavor
- b.Place a small, heatproof steel bowl in the center of the curry.
- c.Using tongs, heat a small piece of charcoal over a direct flame until it is red hot.
- d.Carefully place the hot charcoal in the bowl and pour 0.5 tsp of ghee over it.
- e.As it starts to smoke profusely, immediately cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.
- f.Let the curry infuse with the smoke for 5 minutes. Remove the lid and carefully take out the bowl with the charcoal before serving.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use bone-in chicken, as the bones add richness to the gravy.
- 2Ensure your curd (yogurt) is at room temperature and whisked well. When adding it to the hot pan, stir continuously on high heat to prevent it from splitting.
- 3Don't rush the process of browning the onions. A deep, even golden-brown color is the foundation of this curry's flavor.
- 4The 'dhungar' (smoking) method is optional but highly recommended for an authentic, smoky aroma reminiscent of traditional Rajasthani cooking.
- 5The gravy thickens upon cooling. Adjust with a splash of hot water if needed when reheating.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein
For a quicker version, use boneless chicken thighs, reducing the simmering time by 5-7 minutes.
CreaminessCreaminess
Add a paste of 10-12 soaked cashews along with the tomato puree for a richer, creamier gravy.
Spice LevelSpice Level
Adjust the amount of red chili powder and green chilies to suit your preference. For a milder version, use only Kashmiri red chili powder.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High-Quality Protein Source
Chicken provides a significant amount of lean protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Boosts Immunity
The blend of spices like turmeric, ginger, garlic, and cloves contains powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help strengthen the immune system and fight off infections.
Supports Gut Health
The use of curd (yogurt) introduces beneficial probiotics into the dish, which promote a healthy gut microbiome, improve digestion, and enhance nutrient absorption.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Murgh Jodhpuri contains approximately 450-500 calories, primarily from the chicken and ghee. This is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and cut of chicken used.