Lasan Marghi
Aromatic Parsi chicken curry where garlic is the true star. Tender chicken pieces are simmered in a rich, tangy gravy loaded with both chopped and whole garlic cloves, creating a uniquely flavorful dish perfect with flatbreads or steamed rice.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 40 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Chicken
- b.In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, whisked curd, grated ginger, the 10 minced garlic cloves, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and 1 tsp of salt.
- c.Mix thoroughly to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
- d.Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Gravy Base
- b.Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat. Once hot, add the slit green chilies and sauté for 30 seconds until they blister slightly.
- c.Add the finely chopped onions and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are soft and a deep golden brown. This step is crucial for the flavor of the gravy.
- d.Add the coriander powder and cumin powder. Sauté for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Curry
- b.Stir in the tomato puree and the remaining 0.25 tsp of salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the masala thickens and you see oil separating from the sides.
- c.Add the marinated chicken along with all the marinade to the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high and sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes, turning the pieces to brown them lightly on all sides.
- d.Add the 10 whole garlic cloves and 1 cup of hot water. Stir well and bring the curry to a boil.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer and Finish
- b.Once the curry is boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- c.Remove the lid and stir in the garam masala powder. Cook for another 2 minutes, uncovered, to allow the flavors to meld.
- d.Taste and adjust the salt if necessary. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat and let the curry rest, covered, for at least 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to deepen.
- c.Serve hot with Parsi chapati, naan, or steamed basmati rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most tender and flavorful curry, use bone-in chicken thighs.
- 2Don't rush cooking the onions. Their deep caramelization is the foundation of the gravy's rich flavor.
- 3Ensure the curd is at room temperature before adding it to the marinade to prevent it from splitting.
- 4For an even more intense garlic flavor, lightly toast the whole garlic cloves in a dry pan until fragrant before adding them to the curry.
- 5If the gravy becomes too thick while simmering, add a splash of hot water to reach your desired consistency.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicier Version
Add 1-2 more slit green chilies along with the onions, or add 1/2 tsp of black pepper powder along with the garam masala at the end.
Creamier GravyCreamier Gravy
For a richer, creamier finish, stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh cream or cashew paste after adding the garam masala.
Vegetarian AlternativeVegetarian Alternative
Replace the chicken with 400g of paneer cubes or large mushrooms. Add them after the tomato puree is cooked and reduce the final simmering time to 10-12 minutes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Immunity Boosting
Loaded with garlic, ginger, and turmeric, this curry is rich in compounds like allicin and curcumin, which are known for their powerful antiviral, antibacterial, and immune-supporting properties.
Rich in Protein
Chicken is an excellent source of high-quality lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
The combination of ginger and turmeric provides potent anti-inflammatory benefits, which can help reduce inflammation in the body and support joint health.
Frequently asked questions
Lasan Marghi is a traditional Parsi (Zoroastrian community of India) chicken curry. 'Lasan' means garlic and 'Marghi' means chicken, so it translates to 'Garlic Chicken'. It's known for its robust, tangy, and aromatic gravy where garlic is the hero ingredient.