Chicken Tarkari

Chicken Tarkari

Chicken Tarkari

Chicken tarkari is the Nepalese version of chicken curry. Chicken pieces are marinated in turmeric, salt, and black pepper, seared, then braised in chicken stock with onions, tomatoes, and spices. The tarkari is best served with steamed basmati rice. You can make this dish vegetarian by substituting vegetables, but I will choose protein.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Marinating Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Nepali
Keyword: Chicken, main course, Nepali, South Asian
Author: Alex Gorgos

Equipment

  • Spice grinder

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs cubed
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp fenugreek seeds ground
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds ground
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds ground
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger minced
  • 4 dried red chilies
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 2 roma tomatoes chopped
  • 2 cups chicken stock

Garnish

  • cilantro chopped

Instructions

  • Season the chicken with ground turmeric, black pepper, and salt. Marinate for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
    Nepali, main course, chicken
  • Heat up cooking oil in a large sauté pan or wok over medium high heat. Add in the garlic, ginger, ground spices, dried chilies, and bay leaves. Cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
    Nepali, main course, chicken
  • Add in the onions. Cook for 5 minutes until translucent.
    Nepali, main course, chicken
  • Add in the chicken. Sauté for 5 minutes, searing on all sides.
    Nepali, main course, chicken
  • Stir in the tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes.
    Nepali, main course, chicken
  • Pour in the chicken stock. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 30 minutes.
    Nepali, main course, chicken
  • Season with salt to taste.
    Nepali, main course, chicken
Nepali, main course, chicken
Serve with steamed basmati rice. Garnish with chopped cilantro.