Chicken Gravy Recipe

Join Prishika as she explores a delicious cheat meal, Chicken Gravy, with fitness coach Parth. A flavorful, aromatic dish perfect for rewarding your hard work!

shivani Poli November 30, 2024

1,559 4 minutes read

Chicken Gravy Recipe: A Flavorful Cheat Meal by Fitness Coach Parth to Reward Your Hard Work and Indulge in Deliciousness

In the world of fitness, we often hear about healthy eating and strict diet routines, but every once in a while, even the most disciplined athletes crave a cheat meal to reward their hard work. Hamari taste and trial ki Anchor Prishika is back with another exciting episode where she takes us on a “swad ke safar” (flavor journey). In this episode, she visits the home of a fitness coach and MMA fighter, Mr. Parth, to uncover one of his favorite cheat meal recipes — Chicken Gravy!

Parth, a dedicated fitness coach, follows a strict and healthy diet throughout the week. However, as part of his balanced routine, he allows himself a cheat meal as a reward for his hard work. Today, Prishika and Parth are cooking up his favorite Chicken Gravy, which he learned from a friend. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering recipe that balances flavors while offering a bit of indulgence.

Ingredients for the Recipe

To create this flavorful Chicken Gravy, we need the following ingredients:

For the Paste:

Fresh coriander leaves (a handful)
5 to 7 garlic cloves
3 to 4 green chilies
1 tablespoon cumin seeds (jeera)

For the Chicken Curry:

Whole spices:
- 1 star anise
- Half a cinnamon stick
- 1 cardamom pod
- 1 bay leaf
Ground spices:
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder (haldi)
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder (dhania)
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (lal mirch)
- 1 tablespoon chicken masala
- Salt (to taste)
2 tomatoes, finely chopped
3 large onions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons Ganesh mustard oil (Parth’s favorite cooking oil)

Preparation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preparing the Spice Paste

Start by preparing the spice paste for the curry. Take the coriander leaves, garlic cloves, green chilies, and cumin seeds. Grind them into a fine paste using a little water. This paste will provide the base flavor for the Chicken Gravy.

Step 2: Heating the Mustard Oil

In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of Ganesh mustard oil. This oil is a staple in Parth’s kitchen, and it brings a unique, rich flavor to the dish. Once the oil is hot, add the whole spices — star anise, cinnamon stick, cardamom, and bay leaf. Stir the spices around in the hot oil for a few seconds until they start releasing their aroma.

Step 3: Cooking the Onions

Next, add the finely chopped onions to the pan. Stir the onions around in the oil until they turn light brown. This process enhances the flavor of the curry and gives the base a rich texture. Be patient and allow the onions to cook thoroughly.

Step 4: Adding the Spice Paste

Once the onions are browned, add the ground paste you prepared earlier. Stir it well to mix with the onions and spices. Cook this mixture for about 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the spices to release their flavors and blend together.

Step 5: Tomatoes and Additional Spices

Add the chopped tomatoes into the mixture and stir them well. Allow the tomatoes to soften and blend into the spices. Once the tomatoes have cooked down, it’s time to add the ground spices:

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (haldi)
1 teaspoon cumin powder (jeera)
1 teaspoon coriander powder (dhania)
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (lal mirch)
Salt to taste

Mix everything thoroughly, letting the spices integrate into the base. You’ll notice the curry starting to come together with a rich, aromatic fragrance.

Step 6: Adding Chicken and Cooking

Now, add 500 grams of chicken to the pot. You can use boneless chicken or bone-in pieces, depending on your preference. Stir the chicken pieces into the curry mixture, making sure they’re coated with the flavorful spices. Cover the pot and let the chicken cook for 5 minutes.

Step 7: Adding Water and Slow Cooking

After 5 minutes, uncover the pot and add about half a cup of water. Stir everything together, ensuring the chicken is well-covered in the curry. Cover the pot again and reduce the heat to low. Let the chicken simmer for about 15-20 minutes on low flame, allowing the flavors to meld together and the chicken to cook thoroughly.

Step 8: Garnishing with Fresh Coriander

Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, remove the lid and check the consistency of the curry. If it’s to your liking, turn off the heat. Finally, garnish the Chicken Gravy with fresh coriander leaves. This not only adds a burst of color but also enhances the dish’s fresh flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Chicken Gravy hot with steamed rice, naan, or parathas. The rich, flavorful curry pairs perfectly with a soft, warm flatbread or a side of fluffy rice. The combination of the mustard oil, aromatic spices, and tender chicken creates a delicious, hearty meal that’s perfect for any cheat meal occasion.

Prishika’s Verdict: A Cheating Meal Done Right

Prishika, who typically follows a vegetarian diet, was blown away by the flavors of Parth’s Chicken Gravy. Even though it’s considered a cheat meal, it’s full of natural ingredients and balanced spices that make it a delicious indulgence without going overboard. She praised the use of Ganesh mustard oil, which gave the curry a distinct, rich flavor, and the carefully blended spices that made every bite exciting.

Parth shared that for him, the cheat meal is a reward for the hard work and discipline he maintains throughout the week. It’s a way to enjoy food without feeling guilty, as it’s all about balance and moderation in the world of fitness. While he stays committed to a healthy diet, every now and then, a cheat meal like this Chicken Gravy is a perfect way to enjoy something indulgent and satisfying.