Mum’s Spicy Chicken Mince/ Chicken Keema

Nowadays my long distance calls to my mum dearest involve major recipe discussions and the special tricks and tips she has under her sleeve

So today I made her super easy, beginner’s chicken mince recipe, in an Indian Style gravy base. Enjoyed it with rotis and toasted bread. This one is usually eaten with white pillowy buns and you can definitely opt for those if you end up making this. This is popularly known as Keema Pao in India and very fondly enjoyed throughout the country

So let’s dive into making this very simple recipe. You’ll need:

1 large chicken breast

2 cloves garlic

1 inch piece of ginger

1 green chilly

2 tbsp oil

2 tbsp ghee/clarified butter – if you don’t have this just increase the oil quantity

1 medium white/red onion roughly sliced

3-4 tbsp tomato paste

2 tbsp yogurt

1 tsp lime juice

¼ cup chopped capsicum – optional

¼ cup chopped coriander

Spices for marination: 1 tsp each of Salt, turmeric, coriander powder, chicken masala or any Indian spice mix

Spices for gravy base: 1 tsp each of Salt, turmeric, coriander powder, chicken masala or any Indian spice mix, cumin powder, garam masala

Instructions:

Let’s start by mincing the chicken breast, garlic cloves, green chilly and ginger into a food processor. Takes about 6-7 pulses

Once minced, remove in a bowl and add yogurt and spices, mix well and set aside for 30mins – 2 hrs

In a pan, heat olive oil and ghee on medium high, once hot, add sliced onions and pinch of salt. Stirring continuously let the onion turn golden brown. Takes about 5-6 mins

Then transfer the onions in a blender and add 1/4^th cup cold water, 1/2 tsp cumin powder and blitz to a fine paste. DO NOT ADD LEFTOVER OIL FROM THE PAN TO THE BLENDER

Then in the same pan, heat the leftover oil + ghee on medium high and add the marinated minced chicken. Stirring occasionally, let the chicken cook for about 3-4 mins, now add the blitz onions, tomato paste, chopped capsicum and mix well till everything is combined

Now add the salt and gravy spices. Lower the flame to medium low, cover with a lid and cook for 10 mins

Now add chopped coriander, lime juice, garam masala and cook for another 2 mins and its done! Simple right?

Enjoy with hot rotis, white buns or just some toasted bread. You can also enjoy this over some spaghetti!