Soft Chicken Curry
A light and tender chicken curry, perfect for seniors. Gently spiced with a yogurt-based gravy, this dish is low in calories but full of comforting flavor. Easy to digest and delicious with soft rotis or steamed rice.
For 4 servings
Marinate the chicken
In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces, whisked curd, and half of the ginger-garlic paste. Mix well to coat the chicken. Set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
TIPMarinating with yogurt is the secret to exceptionally tender chicken and also helps create a creamy gravy without adding cream.Temper the whole spices
Heat mustard oil in a pan or kadai over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and let them splutter for about 30 seconds.
Sauté the aromatics
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the remaining ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until the raw smell is gone.
- Pour in the tomato puree, add the salt, and cook for 5-6 minutes until the mixture thickens and oil begins to separate at the edges.
TIPCook the tomato puree well; this step is crucial for developing a deep, savory base for the curry.Add the spice powders
Stir in the turmeric powder and coriander powder. Cook for one minute, stirring constantly to prevent the spices from burning.
Cook the chicken
- Add the marinated chicken along with all the marinade to the pan.
- Sauté on medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is lightly browned.
- Pour in the water, stir everything together, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and tender.
Finish and garnish the curry
Turn off the heat. Stir in the garam masala and chopped coriander leaves. Let the curry rest for 5 minutes for the flavors to meld.
Serve hot
Serve the soft chicken curry hot with steamed rice or soft rotis.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra soft chicken, you can marinate it for up to an hour in the refrigerator.
- 2Always add the yogurt marinade on low heat or after adding some liquid to prevent it from curdling.
- 3If the gravy becomes too thick, you can add a splash of warm water to reach your desired consistency.
- 4Ensure the chicken pieces are small, as they will cook faster and be easier to eat.
- 5You can add a pinch of sugar to balance the tanginess of the tomatoes and yogurt if you prefer.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this curry is designed to be healthy for seniors. It's low in fat and calories, uses lean protein, and the chicken is tenderized with yogurt, making it easy to chew and digest. The spices are gentle and aid digestion.
