Maharashtrian Chicken Curry

This is a wonderful recipe shared by my good friend Akshata. I'm sure you all will love it. A "must try" recipe.

Ingredients:-

1. 1 lb Chicken ( cleaned and cut into small pieces )
2. 1 Onion ( chopped )
3. 1 Onion ( Chopped and shallow fried till brown )
4. 1/2 Cup Dry Grated Coconut ( dry roasted till brown )
5. 2 Tbsp Ginger Garlic paste
6. 1/2 Tbsp Lemon Juice
7. Cilantro ( Chopped for marination)
8. 1 Cinnamon stick
9. 2-3 Cloves
10. 2-3 Green Cardamon pods
11. 1 Bay leaf
12. 3 - 4 Black pepper corns
13. 1 Star Anise
14. Salt to taste
15. Red Chili powder ( As required )
16. 1 Tea Sp Garam Masala
17. 1/2 tbsp Chicken Masala ( Home made or store bought )
18. 3 - 4 Green Chilies
19. 3 Tbsp Oil

Method:-

1. Clean, wash and chop the chicken to small pieces.

2. Blend 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste, green chilies, salt ( to taste ), cilantro, lemon juice, 1/2
    tbsp oil together to form a smooth paste.

3. Marinate the chicken using this green paste for over 30 minutes or longer.

4. Finely chop an onion and keep aside.

5. Make a paste of the browned onion and roasted grated coconut. Keep aside.

6. Heat some oil in a pan. Add the the whole spices and saute for a few seconds and then add the
    chopped onion to it.

7. Sprinkle some salt and add the rest of the ginger garlic paste to it. Saute for a few minutes till the
    onions turn golden brown on medium high heat.

8. Add the marinated chicken, some red chili powder and salt to the onions and mix well.

9. The color of the chicken will start changing while it cooks.

10. Cover the pan with a lid and let the chicken cook on low heat for a few minutes. Stir
      occasionally.

11. When the chicken is 25% cooked add the brown paste of onion and coconut prepared.

12. Mix  everything well. Keep sauteing for a few minutes till you see oil separating from the
     mixture and chicken.

13. Now add some chicken masala and mix well. Also add some water (or chicken stock if
      available will enhance the flavor) to get the desired consistency.

14. Cover the pan  and let the chicken cook completely. It should take about 15 - 20 minutes. Stir
      occasionally.

15. Lastly add some garam masala and mix well.

16. Garnish it with cilantro and serve hot with chapati, bhakari or rice.

Enjoy!!!