Sindhi Chicken Teewan
A warm, comforting Sindhi chicken curry with a rich gravy made from caramelized onions, tangy tomatoes, and yogurt. This home-style dish is fragrant with whole spices and perfect with steamed rice or fresh rotis.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Chicken
- b.In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tbsp of ginger-garlic paste, 0.75 tsp red chili powder, 0.25 tsp turmeric powder, and 1 tsp of salt.
- c.Mix thoroughly to ensure each piece is well-coated.
- d.Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Caramelize the Onions
- b.Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Add the whole spices: bay leaf, green cardamoms, cloves, cinnamon stick, and black peppercorns. Sauté for about 30-45 seconds until they become fragrant.
- d.Add the finely sliced onions. Cook patiently, stirring frequently, for 12-15 minutes until they turn a deep, rich golden-brown. This step is crucial for the color and flavor of the gravy.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Chicken and Masala
- b.Add the remaining 1 tbsp of ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
- c.Add the marinated chicken to the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high and sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until it's lightly browned on all sides.
- d.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the powdered spices: coriander powder, cumin powder, the remaining red chili powder, and the remaining turmeric powder. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
- e.Pour in the tomato puree and add the slit green chilies. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the masala thickens and you see oil separating at the edges.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Add Yogurt and Simmer
- b.Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Slowly add the whisked yogurt while stirring continuously. This prevents the yogurt from curdling.
- c.Once the yogurt is fully incorporated, cook for 2-3 minutes, still stirring, until the gravy thickens again.
- d.Pour in 1.5 cups of hot water and add the remaining 0.5 tsp of salt (or to taste). Stir well.
- e.Bring the curry to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Once the chicken is cooked, check the consistency of the gravy. If it's too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
- c.Stir in the garam masala powder and turn off the heat.
- d.Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- e.Let the curry rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving hot.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The key to a rich, dark gravy is to brown the onions patiently until they are deep golden, but not burnt. Do not rush this step.
- 2Always add whisked yogurt on the lowest heat while stirring continuously to prevent the gravy from splitting.
- 3Using bone-in chicken pieces makes the curry more flavorful and succulent as the bones release flavor into the gravy.
- 4For a deeper flavor, you can use ghee (clarified butter) instead of vegetable oil.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace chicken with 400g of paneer (add in the last 5 minutes of cooking), boiled potatoes, or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
SpicierSpicier
Increase the number of green chilies or add 1/2 tsp of black pepper powder along with the garam masala for extra heat.
CreamierCreamier
For a richer, creamier texture, stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh cream or a paste of 10 soaked cashews at the end of cooking.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Chicken is a high-quality source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and overall body function.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
The use of spices like turmeric (containing curcumin), ginger, and garlic provides potent anti-inflammatory benefits that can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Immunity Boosting
Spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and garlic are known for their antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which can help strengthen the immune system.
Gut-Friendly Probiotics
The yogurt (curd) in the gravy is a good source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that support a healthy gut microbiome and aid in digestion.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Sindhi Chicken Teewan contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the cut of chicken and the amount of oil used. This estimate is for a serving size of about 350g.