Parsi-style Chicken Basquaise

Ingredients

In this Parsi adaptation of the classic French dish, Poulet Basquaise, we incorporate Parsi spices and flavors to create a unique fusion. The original French recipe typically uses bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes as the base, while the Parsi version adds a medley of aromatic spices such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander to enhance the flavors. The result is a dish that combines the best of both cuisines, resulting in a delightful blend of French and Parsi flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Poulet Basquaise, so you can check it out.

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) chicken, cut into pieces 1 kg (2.2 lbs) chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 onions, finely chopped 2 onions, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 4 tomatoes, diced 4 tomatoes, diced
• 2 green chilies, slit 2 green chilies, slit
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 5g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until golden brown.
3. 3.
   Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook until they are lightly browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, mix together the turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and red chili powder.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken and stir well to coat the pieces evenly.
6. 6.
   Add the diced tomatoes and green chilies to the pan and stir to combine.
7. 7.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the chicken simmer for about 30 minutes or until cooked through.
8. 8.
   Season with salt to taste and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
9. 9.
   Serve the Parsi-style Chicken Basquaise hot with steamed rice or crusty bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Turmeric — Turmeric has a strong color and flavor, so be careful not to use too much as it can overpower the dish.
• Cumin — Toasting cumin seeds before grinding them will enhance their aroma and flavor.
• Coriander — Use freshly ground coriander seeds for the best flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, increase the amount of red chili powder or add additional green chilies.
• Marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices for a few hours before cooking can enhance the flavors.
• Serve the dish with a side of pickled onions or cucumber raita for a refreshing contrast.

Serving advice

Serve the Parsi-style Chicken Basquaise hot with steamed rice or crusty bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for added freshness and color.

Presentation advice

Arrange the chicken pieces on a platter and pour the tomato-based sauce over them. Sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for an attractive presentation.