Hare Dhaniye Wala Murg (Cilantro Chicken)

Chicken cooked in sauce of fried onions and tomato with lots of fresh green Cilantro (coriander leaves).

Ingredients:

• 5 skinless boneless chicken thighs, each cut into 6 pieces, washed, dried

For the Marinade:

• 1tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp chicken Tandoori Masala (available in Indian Grocery Stores)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ¼ cup plain yogurt
• Salt to taste

For the Gravy:

• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• ½ tsp cumin seeds
• 2 medium onions thinly sliced
• 1 tsp garlic grated
• 1 tsp ginger grated
• ½ cup diced tomatoes
• 2 green chilies chopped finely
• 1 tbsp ground coriander seeds
• ½ tsp ground cumin seeds
• ½ tsp red chili powder/cayenne
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp garam masala powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup packed fresh coriander leaves and upper tender stems - chopped, washed and drained

Method:

• In a mixing bowl mix all ingredients of marinade well. Now toss in the chicken and coat well. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
• To cook, warm oil in a non stick skillet over medium to high heat and add the cumin seeds. After a few seconds, add the onions. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, until onions are golden. Add grated ginger, grated garlic, green chilies chopped, diced tomatoes and all dry spices (without garam masala powder) and salt; cook on low heat for 5-6 minutes or until the oil separates from the gravy.
• Stir in the chicken and its marinade. Cover, and cook at medium low for 30 minutes or until chicken is tender, stirring occasionally. Add little water if required.
• Fold in the chopped coriander leaves and garam masala powder. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
• Serve hot with Boiled Rice or Roti, Sabji and Raita of your choice.

Do You Know?

Cilantro or Coriander not only has two common names, but two entirely different identities and uses. Cilantro (leaves), Coriandrum sativum, describes the first or vegetative stage of the plant's life cycle and coriander (seeds) represents the reproductive stage.

Cilantro is considered an aid to the digestive system. It is an appetite stimulant and aids in the secretion of gastric juices.

The essential oils of the cilantro leaves contain antibacterial properties and can be used as a fungicide. It is rich in vitamin C.