Pressure Cooker Chicken Curry

Pressure Cooker Chicken Curry is a delightful and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken pieces in a rich, aromatic sauce. Utilizing a pressure cooker not only speeds up the cooking process but also ensures that the chicken is incredibly juicy and infused with the vibrant spices. This curry is a perfect blend of traditional Indian flavors and modern cooking convenience, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a comforting meal.

The ease of using a pressure cooker to prepare this chicken curry allows for an efficient cooking experience without compromising on taste. The combination of onions, tomatoes, and a medley of spices creates a sauce that’s deeply satisfying, while the pressure cooking technique locks in all the flavors and nutrients. Whether served with rice, naan, or any other Indian bread, Pressure Cooker Chicken Curry is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients Required

• Chicken (bone-in or boneless) – 500g (चिकन – 500 ग्राम)
• Onions – 2 large, finely chopped (प्याज़ – 2 बड़े, बारीक कटा हुआ)
• Tomatoes – 3 medium, pureed (टमाटर – 3 मध्यम, प्यूरी किए हुए)
• Ginger-garlic paste – 2 tablespoons (अदरक-लहसुन पेस्ट – 2 टेबलस्पून)
• Green chilies – 2, slit (हरी मिर्च – 2, चीरा हुआ)
• Yogurt – 1/2 cup, beaten (दही – 1/2 कप, फेंटा हुआ)
• Vegetable oil – 3 tablespoons (वनस्पति तेल – 3 टेबलस्पून)
• Cumin seeds – 1 teaspoon (जीरा – 1 टीस्पून)
• Bay leaf – 1 (तेज पत्ता – 1)
• Cinnamon stick – 1-inch piece (दालचीनी – 1 इंच का टुकड़ा)
• Cloves – 4 (लौंग – 4)
• Cardamom – 2 (इलायची – 2)
• Turmeric powder – 1/2 teaspoon (हल्दी पाउडर – 1/2 टीस्पून)
• Red chili powder – 1 teaspoon (लाल मिर्च पाउडर – 1 टीस्पून)
• Coriander powder – 2 teaspoons (धनिया पाउडर – 2 टीस्पून)
• Garam masala – 1 teaspoon (गरम मसाला – 1 टीस्पून)
• Salt – to taste (नमक – स्वादानुसार)
• Fresh coriander leaves – for garnish (ताज़ा धनिया पत्ते – सजाने के लिए)

Step-wise Process of Cooking Pressure Cooker Chicken Curry

1. Preparation:
   • Wash and clean the chicken pieces thoroughly. Set aside.
   • Finely chop the onions and puree the tomatoes.
2. Initial Sautéing:
   • Heat the vegetable oil in a pressure cooker over medium heat.
   • Add the cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom. Sauté for a few seconds until aromatic.
3. Onions and Aromatics:
   • Add the finely chopped onions to the cooker. Sauté until they turn golden brown.
   • Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
4. Tomato and Spices:
   • Pour in the tomato puree and cook for 5-7 minutes until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
   • Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Chicken and Yogurt:
   • Add the chicken pieces to the cooker and mix well with the masala.
   • Add the beaten yogurt and stir continuously to prevent curdling. Cook for another 5 minutes.
6. Pressure Cooking:
   • Add 1 cup of water to the mixture and stir well.
   • Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook on medium heat for about 2-3 whistles.
   • Turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally.
7. Final Touch:
   • Once the pressure is released, open the cooker and sprinkle garam masala over the curry.
   • Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

Number of Servings

This recipe serves 4 people.

Time Required to Make Pressure Cooker Chicken Curry

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Important Points to Keep in Mind While Making the Dish

1. Yogurt Addition: Always beat the yogurt before adding to the curry to prevent curdling. Add it gradually and stir continuously.
2. Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chilies and red chili powder according to your spice preference.
3. Natural Pressure Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for the best results. This helps in retaining the moisture and tenderness of the chicken.
4. Consistency: If the curry is too thick after cooking, you can add a little water and simmer for a few minutes. If too thin, cook uncovered until the desired consistency is reached.

How to Serve the Pressure Cooker Chicken Curry

Serve the Pressure Cooker Chicken Curry hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves. It pairs excellently with steamed basmati rice, jeera rice, naan, roti, or paratha. A side of raita or a fresh salad complements the meal perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Pressure Cooker Chicken Curry is a testament to how easy and enjoyable home cooking can be. With the convenience of a pressure cooker, you can create a rich, flavorful, and satisfying meal in a fraction of the time. This recipe is perfect for busy weekdays or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. Enjoy the aromatic and delicious flavors of this chicken curry, and savor the joy of homemade food.

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