Murgh Malai - Creamy Chicken Curry

Ingredients

While the original Murgh Malai is traditionally made with Indian spices and flavors, this Croatian adaptation adds a unique twist by incorporating local ingredients and techniques. We have replaced some of the traditional spices with Croatian herbs and spices, resulting in a dish that is both familiar and exciting. We alse have the original recipe for Murgh malai, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup (240ml) yogurt 1 cup (240ml) yogurt
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat: 25g (12g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 6g (3g sugars)
• Protein: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the yogurt, heavy cream, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook until they are browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   Pour the yogurt and cream mixture over the chicken. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
6. 6.
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with rice or bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — Make sure to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Yogurt — Use thick and creamy yogurt for a rich and velvety sauce.
• Heavy cream — Opt for high-quality heavy cream to achieve a luxurious texture.
• Olive oil — Use extra virgin olive oil for its distinct flavor.
• Croatian herbs and spices — If you can't find dried Croatian herbs, you can substitute them with a combination of dried basil, thyme, and rosemary.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of Croatian chili flakes or paprika.
• Serve the creamy chicken curry with Croatian bread, such as pogača or focaccia, for a delicious combination.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of paprika and black pepper.
• To make the dish more colorful, add some diced bell peppers or carrots.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day for an even more flavorful meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Murgh Malai with steamed rice or warm bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

To make the dish visually appealing, arrange the chicken pieces on a bed of rice and drizzle the creamy sauce over the top. Sprinkle some paprika or dried herbs for an extra touch of elegance.