Varhadi chicken

Varhadi chicken is very hot and spicy preparation from Vidarbha (Eastern region of Maharashtra). Generally they make this dish in earthen pot and it tastes awesome. Unfortunately, I don't have earthen pot. So, I used regular saucepan.

Serving for -2

Ingredients

Chicken - 500gm

Onion - 1/2 (finely chopped)

Red chili powder - 3/4 tsp

Paprika - 1/2 tsp

Oil - 4 tbsp

Hot water - 2 cups

Salt to taste

Ingredients to make green paste

Cloves of garlic - 4-5

Ginger piece - 1 inch

Green chilies - 2

Cilantro - 1/4 cup (chopped)

Add in all above ingredients in a blender and make a smooth paste by adding little water. Keep it aside.

Ingredients to roast and grind

Medium sized onion - 2 (sliced)

Dry grated coconut - 2 tbsp

Coriander seeds - 1 tbsp

Cumin seeds - 1 tbsp

Cloves - 4-5

Black peppercorns- 8-10

Bay leaf - 1

Cinnamon stick - 1 inch

Black cardamom - 1

Green cardamom - 3-4

Heat 1 tbsp oil and add sliced onion. Saute till onions turn slight brown in color. Add all spices and saute till nice aroma starts to come out. Finally add coconut and saute for few seconds as it turns brown very fast. Let the mixture cool down. Add in to blender and make a smooth puree by adding 1/4 cup of water.

Procedure

• Heat oil in a pan. Add half of chopped onion and saute till translucent. Add green paste and saute for few seconds. Add onion- spices puree, red chili powder, paprika and salt to taste. Let it cook for 4-5 minutes. 
• Add in chicken pieces and add hot water. Mix well and cover the pan.Let it cook for 20-25 minutes. Keep stirring the curry in between. Add more water if required.
• Finally sprinkle some cilantro and serve hot with chapati , naan or plain rice.