Murg-e.Mumtaz

Masterchef contestant Zebi Zubair has always been my favourite since the first season. I haven't seen any series after that. Her sewaiyan recipe was a hit and i remember how tears rolled out of Akshay's eyes after tasting that. That's one great honour for any chef and for me it's more than the masterchef title. This recipe is one of her delicacies. Murg-e-mumtaz is a rich and creamy gravy which could be served with rotis,paranthas,rice or nan. It's so delicious that your kids would ask for more. A kids-friendly recipe-I must say.

Ingredients

 Chicken pieces       1 kg

 Onions                   2 medium fine sliced
 Ginger paste           1tbsp
Garlic paste             1tbsp
Fried Onion Paste    4tbsp
Almond Paste         1/2 cup
Red Chilli Powder    1tsp
Turmeric Powder     1/2tsp
Coriander Powder    1tbsp
Poppy Seeds          2tbsp
Green Cardamoms  4
Cloves                   4
Cinnamon stick      1 inch 
Mace                     1 inch 
Nutmeg (Jaifal)       1 pinch 
Yogurt                    1 cup 
fresh Cream            2tbsp
Oil/Ghee                 1cup
Salt to taste

Ingredients for Tadka
Garlic,chopped        1 tbsp
Bay Leaves             4
Green Chillies          4,chopped and deseeded
Green Cardamoms   2

Method

1.Wash the Chicken pieces. Add yoghurt & keep aside to marinate for 30 minutes.

2.Make a paste of Ginger, Garlic, all Garam Masala, Red Chilli, Turmeric & Coriander powder and poppy seeds.

3.Heat Oil/Ghee in a pan & fry Chopped garlic, Chopped Green Chilli, Green Cardamom & Bay Leaves for 5-8 minutes.

4.Add chopped onions and fry till golden brown.

5.Now add Chicken pieces and keep frying. Mix the paste and fry while adding fried onion & almond paste. Add the cream and bhuno it till oil is separated.

6.Prepare thick gravy by adding 2 cups of water & Salt into the Chicken.

7.Garnish with fried Onions and Serve Hot!

•