Skip to main content

Chicken Karhai with Mint

A karhai is an Indian wok (many anthropologists believe that the utensil actually originated in India), and this is a stir-fried dish. I like dark meat and prefer chicken thighs here, but lovers of white meat may use boned and skinned chicken breasts. Serve it with rice or Indian (or Middle Eastern) flatbreads. You could serve the Mushroom and Pea Curry on the side. You could also have this cold, even take it on a picnic.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

For the Marinade

1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
1 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin seeds
1 teaspoon ground coriander seeds
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon garam masala (page 285)
1 teaspoon finely grated peeled fresh ginger
1 tablespoon olive or canola oil

You also Need

3 tablespoons olive or canola oil
3/4 cup chopped onions
3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Combine all the ingredients listed in the marinade in a glass or stainless steel bowl. Mix, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or as long as overnight.

    Step 2

    Pour the 3 tablespoons of oil into a wok, karhai, or large frying pan and set over medium-high heat. When hot, add the onions. Stir-fry for a minute. Add the chicken with all its marinade. Stir-fry another 3 minutes or until the chicken is just cooked through. Add the mint and stir-fry a few seconds.

Image may contain: Human, Person, Madhur Jaffrey, and Plant
Excerpted from At Home with Madhur Jaffrey: Simple, Delectable Dishes from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka by Madhur Jaffrey. Copyright © 2010 by Random House. Excerpted by permission of Alfred A. Knopf, a division of Random House LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher. Buy the full book from Amazon.
Read More
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Biscuits and gravy, but make it spring.
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.
Grab your Easter basket and hop in—you’ll want to collect each and every one of these fun and easy Easter recipes.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.