Chatpata Chicken - Quick and spicy

This recipe would be perfect for days when you have just returned from a long vacation and have limited ingredients in the pantry and have to make do with some frozen boneless chicken. In a way the supermarkets have been a boon in our lives --don't u think so too? At least now before going away on a holiday you can stock up on some stuffs so to avoid the frenzy on what to cook once you get back.I like to plan all this up before I go away to the point of being obsessive or so my husband feels! Never mind. Lets get on with the recipe. Chatpata Chicken ( I made up the name) is spicy, rich and peps up your Mondays for sure.

 Ingredients:

Boneless chicken - 250 gms - cut into strips

Onion paste - 4 tbsp

Tomato paste - 2 tbsp

Ginger/garlic paste - 1 tsp

Bay leaves - 2 nos

Cardamom - 2 nos

Cinnamon - 1 small piece

Cloves - 3-4 nos

Turmeric powder - 1 tsp

Red chilli powder - 2 tsp

Mace ( javitri ) powder - 1 tsp

White pepper powder - 1 tsp

Refined oil - 1 tbsp

Salt - to taste

Sugar - 1 tsp 

Method:

In a non stick pan add the refined oil . Once it heats up add the bay leaves and the whole cardamom,cinnamon and the cloves. Once they splutter add the onion paste and saute for 2 mins.

Next add in the ginger and garlic paste and fry the mix well till it turns a golden brown colour. Pls do this on low heat. Then add the chicken pieces and fry till they turn white in colour.
At this stage add the turmeric powder , red chilli powder , white pepper powder, sugar and the mace powder.

Roast the masala well along with the chicken . Add salt and a cup of warm water. Cover and let it simmer for another 5-7 mins or till the water dries up.Serve hot with rice/rotis.

P

PS - The mace powder makes all the difference in this dish. Make sure you use that.