Assamese Black Sesame Chicken
Assamese Black Sesame Chicken is a delectable dish hailing from the northeastern state of Assam, India. It features tender chicken pieces marinated in a fragrant blend of spices and coated with a rich sesame seed paste, lending it a unique and irresistible flavor profile. The dish is characterized by its nutty undertones from the toasted sesame seeds, combined with the warmth of traditional Indian spices. Assamese Black Sesame Chicken is a celebration of regional flavors and culinary expertise, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts seeking authentic and wholesome dishes from the diverse cuisines of India.
The star ingredient of Assamese Black Sesame Chicken is the sesame seeds, locally known as “til” in Hindi. These seeds are toasted to enhance their nutty flavor and ground into a fine paste, which forms the base of the marinade for the chicken. Combined with aromatic spices such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander, along with the freshness of ginger and garlic, this dish offers a harmonious blend of flavors that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether enjoyed with steamed rice or traditional Assamese bread, Assamese Black Sesame Chicken is a culinary masterpiece that captures the essence of Assamese cuisine.
Ingredients Required for Making Assamese Black Sesame Chicken
- Chicken Pieces (मुर्गी के टुकड़े) – 800 grams
- Sesame Seeds (तिल) – 1/4 cup
- Yogurt (दही) – 1/2 cup
- Garlic (लहसुन) – 8-10 cloves
- Ginger (अदरक) – 1-inch piece
- Green Chilies (हरी मिर्च) – 2-3, chopped
- Turmeric Powder (हल्दी पाउडर) – 1 teaspoon
- Cumin Powder (जीरा पाउडर) – 1 teaspoon
- Coriander Powder (धनिया पाउडर) – 1 teaspoon
- Salt (नमक) – to taste
- Mustard Oil (सरसों का तेल) – 3 tablespoons
- Fresh Coriander Leaves (ताजा धनिया पत्ती) – for garnish
Step-wise Process of Making Assamese Black Sesame Chicken
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a blender, combine sesame seeds, garlic cloves, ginger, green chilies, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, yogurt, and salt. Blend into a smooth paste.
- Marinate the chicken pieces with the prepared paste, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Cooking the Chicken:
- Heat mustard oil in a large pan or kadhai over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally. This will take about 15-20 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked, garnish with fresh coriander leaves and remove from heat.
Number of Servings
This recipe serves approximately 4-5 people.
Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time Required
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marination time)
- Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes (plus marination time)
Important Points to Keep in Mind
- Toast the sesame seeds until they are fragrant and golden brown before blending them into a paste.
- Adjust the quantity of green chilies according to your spice preference.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through before serving to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.
Serving Assamese Black Sesame Chicken:
Assamese Black Sesame Chicken is best served hot, garnished with additional fresh coriander leaves. It pairs well with steamed rice, roti, or Assamese bread such as pitha.
Final Thoughts…
Assamese Black Sesame Chicken is a delightful dish that showcases the rich culinary heritage of Assam. With its aromatic spices and nutty sesame flavor, it is sure to impress your family and friends alike. Enjoy the warmth and flavors of Assam with this delicious and comforting chicken dish!
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