Ingredients:
For the Rice:
• 1 cup Basmati or long-grain rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon butter or oil
• Salt to taste
For the Chicken Gravy:
• 2 tablespoons oil or butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 1-2 green chilies, slit (optional)
• 1 tomato, finely chopped
• 500g chicken, cut into pieces (boneless or bone-in)
• 1/2 cup yogurt (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 cup water or chicken broth
Instructions:
For the Rice:
1. Rinse the Rice: Wash the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
2. Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice, butter or oil, and a pinch of salt. Cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
3. Fluff the Rice: Once done, remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork.
For the Chicken Gravy:
1. Heat Oil: In a large pan or skillet, heat the oil or butter over medium heat.
2. Cook the Aromatics: Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Then, add the garlic, ginger, and green chilies, and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Add Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
4. Spice it Up: Add turmeric, red chili powder, cumin powder, and coriander powder. Cook the spices for 1-2 minutes.
5. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces and stir well to coat them in the spice mixture. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides.
6. Add Yogurt: (Optional) Stir in the yogurt, mixing well, and cook for another 2 minutes.
7. Simmer: Add 1 cup of water or chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the gravy has thickened.
8. Finish: Stir in the garam masala and adjust the seasoning with salt. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
9. Garnish: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.