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Charsi Chicken Karahi
theelevatedone786
65m
Charsi Chicken Karahi
Author:
theelevatedone786
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Charsi Chicken Karahi

Charsi Chicken Karahi is a popular, flavorful Pakistani dish originating from Peshawar, known for its rich tomato and ginger-garlic base, succulent chicken, and a distinctive aroma from dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi). This recipe focuses on simple yet robust flavors, cooked in a traditional karahi (wok-like pan), resulting in a delicious, restaurant-style curry that's perfect for a hearty meal.
#Chicken
#Karahi
#Pakistani
#Peshawari
#Spicy
#Curry
#Dinner
#Main Course
#Homemade
Searing the chicken in hot oil
Searing the chicken in hot oil

Recipe Information

20m
Prep Time
45m
Cook Time
1h 5m
Total Time
4
Servings
Medium
Pakistani
Urdu
Nutrition (per serving)
500
Calories
45g
Protein
12g
Carbs
30g
Fat
Tomatoes softening on top of chicken
Tomatoes softening on top of chicken

Ingredients

  • Chicken
    (Cut into curry pieces)

    1 kg
  • Cooking Oil
    (Approximately 120ml)

    1 cup
  • Tomatoes
    (Halved)

    4 medium
  • Ginger-Garlic Paste

    2 tablespoons
  • Green Chilies
    (Slit or finely chopped, to taste)

    4 pieces
  • Salt
    (To taste)

    1.5 teaspoons
  • Black Pepper Powder
    (Freshly ground preferred)

    1 teaspoon
  • Red Chili Powder
    (Or to taste for desired heat)

    1 teaspoon
  • Cumin Powder

    1 teaspoon
  • Coriander Powder

    1 teaspoon
  • Kasoori Methi
    (Dried Fenugreek Leaves, crushed)

    1 tablespoon
  • Fresh Coriander
    (Chopped, for garnish)

    1 cup
  • Fresh Ginger
    (Julienned, for garnish)

    1 inch
Servings: 4
๐Ÿ’ก Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!
Mixing in the spices to create the gravy
Mixing in the spices to create the gravy

Instructions

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  • 1

    Heat cooking oil in a large karahi or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
    Step 1 visual
    Preview
    1m
    Step 1 visual
    Preview
    Heat cooking oil in a large karahi or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
    1m

    Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding chicken to get a good sear.
  • 2

    Add the chicken pieces to the hot oil. Spread them evenly in a single layer.
    Step 2 visual
    Preview
    1m
    Step 2 visual
    Preview
    Add the chicken pieces to the hot oil. Spread them evenly in a single layer.
    1m

    Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to prevent steaming.
  • 3

    Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it changes color and starts to brown lightly on all sides.
    Step 3 visual
    Preview
    7m
    Step 3 visual
    Preview
    Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it changes color and starts to brown lightly on all sides.
    7m

    Searing locks in the juices and develops flavor.
  • 4

    Add the ginger-garlic paste to the chicken. Stir well to combine.
    Step 4 visual
    Preview
    1m
    Step 4 visual
    Preview
    Add the ginger-garlic paste to the chicken. Stir well to combine.
    1m

    Fresh ginger-garlic paste makes a significant difference in taste.
  • 5

    Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the raw aroma of ginger and garlic disappears.
    Step 5 visual
    Preview
    4m
    Step 5 visual
    Preview
    Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the raw aroma of ginger and garlic disappears.
    4m

    Cooking out the raw smell of ginger-garlic paste is crucial for flavor.
  • 6

    Place the halved tomatoes cut-side down over the chicken.
    Step 6 visual
    Preview
    1m
    Step 6 visual
    Preview
    Place the halved tomatoes cut-side down over the chicken.
    1m

    Arranging them cut-side down helps them soften evenly and makes peeling easier.
  • 7

    Cover the karahi and let the tomatoes steam and soften for 8-10 minutes over medium heat. This will also help the chicken cook through.
    Step 7 visual
    Preview
    9m
    Step 7 visual
    Preview
    Cover the karahi and let the tomatoes steam and soften for 8-10 minutes over medium heat. This will also help the chicken cook through.
    9m

    Keep the heat at medium to prevent burning and allow the tomatoes to release their juices.
  • 8

    Remove the lid. Carefully peel off and discard the softened tomato skins.
    Step 8 visual
    Preview
    2m
    Step 8 visual
    Preview
    Remove the lid. Carefully peel off and discard the softened tomato skins.
    2m

    The skins should come off easily once steamed. Use tongs or a fork.
  • 9

    Using a spoon or spatula, mash the softened tomatoes directly into the chicken gravy.
    Step 9 visual
    Preview
    2m
    Step 9 visual
    Preview
    Using a spoon or spatula, mash the softened tomatoes directly into the chicken gravy.
    2m

    Mash thoroughly to create a smooth, rich gravy base.
  • 10

    Add the green chilies to the karahi and mix them in.
    Step 10 visual
    Preview
    1m
    Step 10 visual
    Preview
    Add the green chilies to the karahi and mix them in.
    1m

    Adjust the number of chilies based on your spice preference.
  • 11

    Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, and coriander powder over the chicken and mashed tomatoes.
    Step 11 visual
    Preview
    1m
    Step 11 visual
    Preview
    Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, and coriander powder over the chicken and mashed tomatoes.
    1m

    Ensure spices are distributed evenly.
  • 12

    Mix all the spices thoroughly with the chicken and continue to cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oil separates from the masala (gravy).
    Step 12 visual
    Preview
    6m
    Step 12 visual
    Preview
    Mix all the spices thoroughly with the chicken and continue to cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oil separates from the masala (gravy).
    6m

    Cooking until the oil separates indicates that the spices are well cooked and the flavor has developed.
  • 13

    Crush the kasoori methi between your palms and add it to the karahi.
    Step 13 visual
    Preview
    1m
    Step 13 visual
    Preview
    Crush the kasoori methi between your palms and add it to the karahi.
    1m

    Crushing kasoori methi releases its distinct aroma and flavor.
  • 14

    Stir well and let it simmer for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
    Step 14 visual
    Preview
    4m
    Step 14 visual
    Preview
    Stir well and let it simmer for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
    4m

    A short simmer helps to infuse the kasoori methi flavor throughout the dish.
  • 15

    Garnish generously with fresh chopped coriander and julienned ginger before serving. Serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.
    Step 15 visual
    Preview
    1m
    Step 15 visual
    Preview
    Garnish generously with fresh chopped coriander and julienned ginger before serving. Serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.
    1m

    Fresh garnishes add a burst of freshness and aroma to the finished dish.
๐Ÿ’ก Tip: Click on any step to mark it as completed and track your cooking progress!

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