Murgh Makki ka Soweta
A hearty and rustic Rajasthani curry where tender chicken pieces are simmered with sweet corn kernels in a spicy, tangy yogurt-based gravy. This unique and flavorful dish brings the authentic taste of royal Rajasthan to your table, perfect for a special meal.
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, ginger garlic paste, 0.5 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp turmeric powder, and 1 tsp red chili powder.
- c.Mix thoroughly to ensure each piece of chicken is evenly coated.
- d.Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Gravy Base (Masala)
- b.Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- c.Add the whole spices: bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, and crushed green cardamoms. Sauté for about 30 seconds until they release their aroma.
- d.Add the finely chopped onions and slit green chilies. Sauté for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions turn a deep golden brown. This step is crucial for the flavor of the curry.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Chicken
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Add the powdered spices: 1.5 tsp coriander powder, 1 tsp cumin powder, the remaining 0.25 tsp turmeric powder, and the remaining 1 tsp red chili powder. Stir for 30-40 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- c.Add the marinated chicken along with the entire marinade to the pan.
- d.Increase the heat to medium-high and sauté the chicken for 7-8 minutes. Stir continuously until the chicken is sealed, changes color, and the masala starts to release ghee from the sides.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer the Curry
- b.Stir in the sweet corn kernels and the remaining 1 tsp of salt. Mix well.
- c.Pour in 1 cup of hot water and bring the curry to a gentle boil.
- d.Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- e.Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the chicken is tender and cooked through, and the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Uncover the pan and stir in the garam masala powder.
- c.Simmer for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- d.Turn off the heat and garnish generously with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- e.Let the curry rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot with traditional Rajasthani breads like bajra roti or makki ki roti, or with 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 a more authentic texture, use fresh corn on the cob and coarsely grate the kernels before adding them to the curry.
- 2The process of sautéing the masala until oil separates ('bhunao') is key to developing a deep, rich flavor. Do not rush this step.
- 3Ensure the curd is at room temperature and whisked well before adding to the marinade to prevent it from splitting.
- 4If the gravy becomes too thick during simmering, add a splash of hot water to adjust the consistency.
- 5This curry tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen overnight. It's great for making ahead.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the chicken with 250g of paneer cubes or 2 cups of mixed vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and peas. Add the paneer in the last 5 minutes of cooking to keep it soft.
Creamier GravyCreamier Gravy
For a richer, milder curry, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of fresh cream or cashew paste at the end of the cooking process, just before adding the garam masala.
Different OilDifferent Oil
For a more pungent and traditional flavor profile, you can prepare this dish using mustard oil instead of ghee. Heat the mustard oil until it's smoking lightly before adding the spices.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
The use of spices like turmeric (containing curcumin) and ginger provides potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, which can help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Rich in Fiber
Sweet corn is a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Murgh Makki ka Soweta contains approximately 420 calories, primarily from the chicken and ghee. This is an estimate and can vary based on the exact ingredients and cut of chicken used.