Chicken Ghee Roast
A fiery and tangy chicken delicacy from Mangalore, slow-roasted in a vibrant red chili masala and generous amounts of ghee. This iconic dish is packed with bold flavors and pairs perfectly with neer dosa or steamed rice.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, turmeric powder, lemon juice, and 0.5 tsp of salt. Mix well to coat all the pieces evenly. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- 2
Soak both types of red chilies in hot water for 15 minutes to soften them
- a.Drain and set aside. In a dry pan over low heat, add coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, and fenugreek seeds. Roast for 2-3 minutes until they become aromatic. Be careful not to burn them. In a blender, combine the soaked red chilies, roasted spices, garlic cloves, ginger, and tamarind paste. Add a few tablespoons of water and grind to a very smooth, thick paste. Set aside.
- 3
Heat 4 tbsp of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat
- a.Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until it turns golden brown. Add the prepared ghee roast masala paste and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring continuously, until the raw smell disappears and you see ghee separating from the sides of the masala. Add the marinated chicken to the pan. Mix well to coat the chicken with the masala. Sauté on medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes until the chicken is lightly seared.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Add 0.5 cup of water, the remaining 0.5 tsp of salt, grated jaggery (if using), and curry leaves. Stir everything together. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the chicken is cooked, remove the lid and increase the heat to medium. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the gravy thickens and clings to the chicken pieces, achieving a semi-dry consistency. Drizzle the remaining 1 tbsp of ghee over the top. Serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For an authentic fiery red color, use Byadgi or Kashmiri red chilies which are low on heat.
- 2Do not compromise on the amount of ghee; it is the soul of this dish.
- 3Roasting the spices on low heat is crucial to release their essential oils and create a fragrant masala.
- 4The small amount of jaggery helps balance the spicy and tangy flavors perfectly.
- 5For best results, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to become tender and flavorful.
- 6This dish tastes best when served with Neer Dosa, Appam, or simple steamed rice to soak up the delicious masala.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace chicken with 250g paneer cubes or 300g mushrooms. Pan-fry them separately in a little ghee and add to the masala in the final 5 minutes of cooking.
dairy freeDairy free
Use a plant-based yogurt for the marinade and replace ghee with an equal amount of coconut oil or another neutral, high-smoke point oil.
quickQuick
Use a store-bought Mangalorean ghee roast masala paste to save time on roasting and grinding the spices.
healthyHealthy
Reduce the total amount of ghee to 2-3 tablespoons and use boneless, skinless chicken breast to lower the fat content.
