SLOW COOKED CHICKEN CURRY

My today's post is all about slow cooking.I prepared this dish in a slow cooker.A slow cooker maintains a constant low temperature throughout while cooking and so takes a long time for it to be done.But the advantage with this slow cooking is steady low heat from the gravy infuses flavor into the meat and makes it really soft.I accentuated the flavour of this dish by adding fried onion paste to the gravy.They also help in balancing the spiciness of the dish. Its best to use a bone in meat ,that way ones they are cooked they simply fall apart from the bone.For those who dont have a slow cooker can simply cook on a low heat(simmering)in a vessel on stove top.

INGREDIENTS

Bone in Chicken - 4-5 pieces(i used 2 legs and 2 thighs)
Onions - 1 large,finely chopped
Tomato paste - 1/2 cup

ginger - 1 1/2 tsp

garlic - 1 1/2 tsp

curry leaves - of 1 sprig

Spice mix - 1 1/2 tbsp(recipe follows)

Cilantro - a small bunch,to garnish

Roast and Grind:-

Coriander seeds - 3 tbsp

Cumin seed - 1 1/2 tbsp

Black peppercorn - 1 tsp

cinnamon stick - 1/2 a piece

cardamam pod - 3 nos

Turmeric - 1 tsp
Kashmiri red chilli pdr - 2 tbsp

Fry and Grind:-

Onion - 1 large, thinly sliced
ginger - 1 tsp

garlic - 1 tsp

METHOD

Dry roast the above mentioned spices except turmeric and red chilli pdr until they turn light brown.Then remove from heat and mix in the turmeric and red chilli pdr.Grind them finely.Set aside half of the pdr in a bowl and mix in some salt.Coat each of the chicken pieces with the spice mix liberally on all sides.Let it marinate for 2 hrs.

Now fry the onions,ginger and garlc until they r lightly brown and then grind them to a smooth paste.Set it aside.

Heat some oil in a pan.Add cumin seeds,ginger,garlic and curry leaves.Stir for a minute then add the finely chopped onions.Stir until they become soft and translucent.Add the spice mix (Store the remaining spice in a dry container)and stir.Now add the tomato paste.Add some water if needed to help mix it together.Add salt.Let this cook for about 5-6 mins.Mix in the fried onion paste.Add 2 cups of water.Now pour this mixture into the slow cooker.Check the seasoning.

Coat the bottom of another pan with some oil.On a high heat brown the chicken pieces on all sides,they should not cook fully,we just want to brown them.Add them into the slow cooker and mix it until they are coated with the gravy.Put the lid and switch it on high.Let it cook for 8-9 hrs or until the meat falls apart from the bone.Garnish with coriander leaves.Serve with rice,roti etc.