Seyal Chicken Bites
A classic Sindhi delight featuring tender, bite-sized chicken pieces simmered in a thick, tangy masala of onions, tomatoes, and chickpea flour. This semi-dry dish is packed with flavor and comes together quickly, making it a perfect appetizer or main course.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Chicken
- b.In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken cubes, whisked curd, 0.5 tsp of salt, and 0.5 tbsp of the ginger-garlic paste.
- c.Mix thoroughly to ensure each piece of chicken is well-coated.
- d.Cover and set aside to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and let them splutter for about 30 seconds.
- c.Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn a deep golden brown. This step is crucial for the flavor base.
- d.Add the remaining 1 tbsp of ginger-garlic paste and the slit green chillies. Sauté for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Roast Besan & Cook Masala
- b.Reduce the heat to low and add the besan (chickpea flour). Roast for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
- c.Add the tomato puree, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and the remaining 0.75 tsp of salt.
- d.Mix well and cook the masala on medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, until it thickens and you see oil separating from the sides.
- 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 sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes, stirring to brown it lightly on all sides.
- c.Pour in 1/2 cup of water, stir everything together, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- d.Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The masala should be thick and cling to the chicken pieces.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Stir in the garam masala and fresh lemon juice.
- c.Taste and adjust the salt if necessary.
- d.Garnish generously with chopped coriander leaves. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- e.Serve hot as an appetizer or with fresh roti, naan, or Sindhi phulka.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a richer flavor, use chicken thighs instead of breast, or use ghee instead of vegetable oil.
- 2Roasting the besan on low heat is crucial to avoid a raw taste and to properly thicken the masala.
- 3Achieving a deep golden brown color on the onions is key to the authentic, slightly sweet and savory flavor of this dish.
- 4This is a semi-dry dish; add water sparingly, just enough to cook the chicken and create a thick, coating masala.
- 5Let the finished dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the masala even more.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian Delight
Replace chicken with 400g of paneer cubes or 500g of quartered mushrooms. Add them in the last 5-7 minutes of cooking as they cook much faster.
Creamy VersionCreamy Version
For a richer, milder gravy, stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh cream or cashew paste at the very end, after turning off the heat.
Mutton SeyalMutton Seyal
Use 500g of mutton pieces instead of chicken. After searing the mutton, you may need to pressure cook it with the masala for 4-5 whistles before finishing the dish in the pan to ensure it's tender.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and overall body function.
Rich in Antioxidants
Cooked tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. Spices like turmeric also contribute significant antioxidant properties.
Digestive Aid
The inclusion of traditional spices like ginger, garlic, and cumin seeds can aid digestion, reduce bloating, and improve overall gut health.
Immunity Support
Garlic and turmeric contain potent compounds with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help support a healthy and robust immune system.
Frequently asked questions
'Seyal' is a traditional Sindhi cooking style where ingredients, typically onions and tomatoes, are slow-cooked to form a thick, flavorful base, often without adding a lot of water, resulting in a semi-dry dish.