Murgi nu Rasawalu Shaak
A comforting Gujarati-style chicken curry with a thin, flavorful gravy. It strikes a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet notes, making it a unique and delicious main course.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 40 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Chicken
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces, whisked curd, ginger-garlic paste, 0.5 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp red chili powder, and 0.5 tsp salt.
- c.Use your hands to mix thoroughly, ensuring each piece of chicken is evenly coated.
- d.Cover the bowl and let it marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes, or for a more tender result, refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Curry Base (Masala)
- b.Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- c.Immediately add the cumin seeds and hing. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the cumin seeds sizzle and become fragrant.
- d.Add the finely chopped onions and a pinch of salt to help them brown. Sauté for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are soft and have turned a deep golden brown. This step is crucial for the flavor of the gravy.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Tomato Masala
- b.Add the tomato puree to the pan. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and you see oil separating from the sides of the masala.
- c.Stir in the remaining 0.25 tsp turmeric powder, 0.5 tsp red chili powder, and 2 tsp dhana jeeru. Cook for another minute until the spices are aromatic.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Chicken
- b.Add the marinated chicken along with the entire marinade to the pan.
- c.Increase the heat to medium-high and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes. The goal is to seal the chicken and lightly brown it on all sides.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Simmer the Curry
- b.Pour in 2 cups of hot water and add the remaining 1 tsp of salt. Stir everything well to combine, scraping any bits from the bottom of the pan.
- c.Bring the curry to a vigorous boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- d.Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. You can check by piercing a piece with a fork; it should go through easily.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Finish and Garnish
- b.Uncover the pan and stir in the grated jaggery, garam masala, and fresh lemon juice.
- c.Simmer for 2 more minutes, allowing the final flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust salt, sweetness, or tanginess if needed.
- d.Turn off the heat, garnish generously with chopped coriander leaves, and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most tender chicken, marinate it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- 2Don't rush cooking the onions. Their deep caramelization forms the sweet, rich base of the curry.
- 3Using hot water to make the gravy helps maintain the cooking temperature and results in more tender chicken.
- 4The 'rasawalu' or thin gravy is traditional, but if you prefer a thicker curry, simmer it uncovered for an extra 5-7 minutes in the final step.
- 5For a richer, more authentic flavor, use ghee instead of vegetable oil.
- 6Let the curry rest for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to deepen and settle.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
This curry base works well with mutton (increase simmering time) or hard-boiled eggs (add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking).
Creamier GravyCreamier Gravy
For a richer, creamier texture, you can add 2 tablespoons of cashew paste along with the tomato puree.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
To increase the heat, add 1-2 slit green chilies along with the onions, or increase the amount of red chili powder.
Vegetarian AlternativeVegetarian Alternative
Replace chicken with paneer cubes (add in the last 5 minutes) or a mix of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and green peas.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Chicken is an excellent source of high-quality lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall body function.
Immunity-Boosting Spices
The recipe uses spices like turmeric (containing curcumin), ginger, and garlic, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help support a healthy immune system.
Source of Lycopene
Cooked tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it can be a healthy dish. It's rich in lean protein from chicken and contains beneficial spices like turmeric and ginger. To make it healthier, use minimal oil and serve it with whole-wheat rotli or brown rice.