How many calories are in one serving of Murgh ke Sooley?

A single serving of Murgh ke Sooley (approximately 150g) contains around 280-320 calories. The exact number can vary based on the cut of chicken used (thighs vs. breast) and the amount of butter used for basting.

Is Murgh ke Sooley healthy?

Yes, Murgh ke Sooley can be a healthy dish. It is high in protein from the chicken, which is essential for muscle building and repair. The use of yogurt provides probiotics for gut health. As it's grilled rather than deep-fried, it's lower in fat. To make it even healthier, use chicken breast and limit the amount of butter for basting.

Can I make this without a grill?

Absolutely! You can cook the chicken pieces in a heavy-bottomed skillet or a grill pan on the stovetop. You can also bake them in an oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. The 'dhungar' step will still provide the smoky flavor.

My marinade was too watery. What did I do wrong?

This usually happens if the yogurt is not thick enough. It's crucial to use 'hung curd' or a very thick Greek yogurt. To make hung curd, place regular yogurt in a muslin cloth and hang it for 2-3 hours to drain out all the excess whey.

What can I use instead of raw papaya paste?

Raw papaya paste contains an enzyme called papain that is excellent for tenderizing meat. If you can't find it, you can use a tablespoon of pineapple juice or a quarter teaspoon of commercial meat tenderizer powder. However, be careful with powders as they can sometimes make the meat mushy if overused.

Home / Recipes / rajasthani / Murgh ke Sooley

rajasthaniMediumnon vegetariangluten freenut freesoy free

Murgh ke Sooley

RATING

4.4/5(32)

TASTE SCORE

9/10

Tender chicken pieces marinated in a robust yogurt and spice mixture, then infused with charcoal smoke for an authentic Rajasthani flavor. A classic grilled appetizer that brings the taste of royal kitchens to your home.

PREP

20m

COOK

20m

SERVES

150 G

487 cal

SERVINGS

INSTRUCTIONS

5 steps. 20 minutes total.

5 STEPS

1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Marinade
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine the hung curd, ginger-garlic paste, raw papaya paste, and mustard oil. Whisk until you have a smooth, lump-free mixture.
- c.Add all the dry spice powders: Kashmiri red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, turmeric, and black pepper powder.
- d.Crush the kasuri methi between your palms and add it to the bowl, followed by the lemon juice and salt. Mix thoroughly to create a uniform marinade.
2
Step 2
- a.Marinate the Chicken
- b.Ensure the chicken pieces are dry by patting them with a paper towel. Add them to the marinade.
- c.Use your hands to coat each piece of chicken evenly. Ensure the marinade gets into all the crevices.
- d.Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours. For best results and incredibly tender chicken, marinate overnight (8-12 hours).
3
Step 3
- a.Infuse with Smoke (Dhungar Method)
- b.After marination, take the chicken out of the refrigerator. Using tongs, hold the piece of charcoal over a direct flame until it is red hot and glowing.
- c.Place a small, heatproof steel bowl (or a piece of foil shaped into a cup) in the center of the marinating chicken.
- d.Carefully place the hot charcoal into the small bowl. Immediately pour the ghee over the hot charcoal.
- e.As it begins to smoke profusely, cover the main bowl with a tight-fitting lid to trap the smoke. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the smoky flavor.
4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Chicken
- b.Remove the charcoal bowl. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto metal or pre-soaked wooden skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece for even cooking.
- c.Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning every 4-5 minutes, until cooked through with a slight char.
- d.Pan-Frying: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat with a little oil. Place the chicken pieces (without skewers) in a single layer. Cook for 7-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Cook in batches if necessary.
- e.During the last 5 minutes of cooking, baste the chicken with melted butter for extra richness and moisture.
5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes.
- c.Sprinkle generously with chaat masala and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
- d.Serve immediately with mint chutney, sliced onion rings, and lemon wedges on the side.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Using chicken thighs is highly recommended as they remain juicier and more flavorful than chicken breast.
2
The 'dhungar' (smoking) step is crucial for the authentic taste of Murgh ke Sooley. Do not skip it.
3
Ensure your yogurt is very thick (hung curd). Watery yogurt will result in a thin marinade that won't cling to the chicken.
4
If you don't have raw papaya paste, you can use a pinch of meat tenderizer, but papaya paste provides a more natural flavor.
5
When pan-frying, avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures the chicken sears properly rather than steaming.
6
To check for doneness, cut into the thickest piece of chicken; the juices should run clear and the inside should be opaque.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

Vegetarian

Replace the chicken with 500g of paneer cubes or large mushrooms. Reduce the marination time to 1-2 hours.

Spicier Version

Add 1-2 teaspoons of finely chopped green chilies or a teaspoon of red chili flakes to the marinade for extra heat.

Oven Baked

Oven-Baked

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the skewered chicken on a baking rack over a foil-lined tray. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until cooked.

Different Meat

This marinade works wonderfully with lamb cubes (Mutton ke Sooley) or fish fillets. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why this is on our healthy list.

muscle

Excellent Source of Lean Protein

Chicken is a high-quality source of lean protein, which is vital for muscle growth, tissue repair, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.

gut

Promotes Gut Health

The use of yogurt (curd) in the marinade introduces beneficial probiotics to your diet, which can improve digestion and support a healthy gut microbiome.

leaf

Rich in Anti-inflammatory Spices

Spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic are known for their powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help combat oxidative stress in the body.

QUESTIONS?

Frequently asked questions

The 'dhungar' method is a traditional technique of infusing food with a smoky flavor using hot charcoal and ghee. While you can still make the dish without it, this step is what gives Murgh ke Sooley its signature authentic, smoky, and rustic taste. It is highly recommended for the true Rajasthani experience.

PAIRS WELL WITH

Complete meals featuring this recipe

south_indian·17 min·648 cal

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Murgh ke Sooley

For 4 servings

5 steps. 20 minutes total.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5