There is no denying to a certain sort of magic in the fragrance of roasted spices combined with the aroma of a clay pot. When talking about the cooking traditions of Pakistan, the term "Handi" is not only used to refer to a pot, but it refers to the cooking process as a whole, which prioritizes complexity, depth, and authenticity. In today's fast-paced world, your kitchen can serve as a safe haven where you get to experience pure flavors of dishes. At Apni Mitti, we understand that you do not have to invest hours for that classic flavor, and we help you save your time without sacrificing the taste of the dish.
We know for sure that many of you have encountered the problem of finding the best chicken handi recipe on the internet with instructions such as two-hour marination of chicken, along with more hassle work. That is why we decided to answer your question of how to make chicken handi at home, and unveil the secrets of preparing the best chicken handi recipes. Also, it will take no more than half an hour of your time. With the help of this guide, you will become the real flavor master.
To learn how to make chicken handi at home, one needs to focus on controlling the temperature and timings. This technique is essential to ensure the softness of the chicken and the perfection of the gravy. We have a few types of chicken handi recipes, let’s get into it!
First, heat the oil or ghee in the handi over medium heat. Then add the chopped onions to saute them until they become translucent. We need our chicken handi to be bright and colorful, so one must not cook the onions until they are brown or burnt. Next, add the ginger and garlic paste and saute them for 60 seconds until the raw smell disappears. Then increase the heat and add chicken cubes. Roast the chicken until it changes its color to white. After sealing the juice inside, add the tomato puree and dry spices for the traditional red base chicken handi.
Since the clay retains heat well, the process of reducing tomatoes is quick. Once you see that the oil starts separating from the sides of the pot, you are at the "Bhuna" stage, which is by far the most crucial stage in cooking a chicken handi dish. Reduce the heat to as low as possible. Add yogurt, whisk till smooth, and mix it with the handi. The low heat will ensure that the yogurt does not get curdled. Now, close the handi with a tight lid and allow it to cook for 5 to 7 minutes on low heat. This is called a Dum process, which allows the clay to give an earthy flavor to the meat in the handi. Lastly, garnish it and enjoy!
For a chicken white handi recipe and chicken makhni handi recipe, you need to add butter along with the heavy cream. Repeat the basic cooking process that is similar to the traditional chicken handi recipe. However, you don’t have to add tomatoes and red chilies in it, only onions would be fine for it, because tomatoes and red chilies give that red base. Once you add butter and heavy cream, your color will change to a delicious looking golden yellow shade. Also, you don’t really need too many spices for makhni handi or white handi. Salt, black pepper, white pepper ginger paste, garlic paste, green chilies, cashew paste are the key spices for this dish, and the rest you can add for your personal taste.
Now, repeat the “dam” process, where you close the handi with a tight lid and allow it to cook for 5 to 7 minutes on low heat. Lastly, garnish with some crushed Kasuri Methi for that beautiful aroma. If you wish to indulge in a rich taste sensation, go for a chicken handi makhni, which uses plenty of butter and cream, and makes for a luxurious meal that goes wonderfully well with butter naan garnished with garlic.
It is never too late to turn on the gas stove and relive the enchanting memories that are associated with the handi. Be it a weekday dinner or an eventful celebration, this traditional Pakistani-style dish of chicken handi will definitely be among the favorites you will love to cook regularly. Our authentic clay pots help see your cooking process to be a long one due to its delicious taste, even if it is only cooked in half an hour.
Experience the true essence of taste with Apni Mitti! Pick up your handi, gather your ingredients, and start cooking for real. The pot does all the work as far as cooking time is concerned, distributing heat and blending flavors to enable you to spend quality time with your family. After all, the most interesting tales have always been narrated around a handi steaming and full of tasty food.
