Nawabi Jiggler
History of Nawabi Jiggler
The Nawabi Jiggler is an opulent dish that hails from the royal kitchens of Northern India. With its rich, aromatic flavors, and luxurious ingredients, it embodies the culinary grandeur of the Nawabs, the noble rulers. The dish is renowned for its exquisite taste and the finesse of its preparation. Traditionally served during grand feasts, Nawabi Jiggler represents the epitome of royal indulgence, combining various spices, nuts, and dairy to create a velvety texture and a depth of flavor that lingers.
Ingredients
- Chicken - 1 kg, cut into pieces
- Yogurt - 1 cup
- Onions - 3 large, thinly sliced
- Garlic - 5 cloves
- Ginger - 2-inch piece
- Cashews - 1/2 cup
- Almonds - 1/2 cup, blanched
- Ghee - 4 tablespoons
- Green Cardamoms - 6 pods
- Cloves - 8
- Cinnamon Stick - 2-inch
- Saffron - a pinch, soaked in warm milk
- Milk - 1 cup
- Fresh Cream - 1/2 cup
- Green Chilies - 4, slit
- Salt - to taste
- Black Pepper - to taste
- Coriander Leaves - for garnish
Preparation
Step 1: Marinating the Chicken
Begin by preparing the chicken. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, a teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Add the chicken pieces to this mixture, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing it to absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Making the Nut Paste
Soak the cashews and almonds in hot water for 30 minutes. Once softened, drain and blend them into a smooth paste with a splash of milk.
Cooking Process
Step 3: Cooking the Aromatics
Heat ghee in a large pan. Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown. Remove half of the onions for garnish. To the remaining onions in the pan, add chopped ginger and garlic. Stir until fragrant, then add the green chilies, cardamoms, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Let these spices release their aroma.
Step 4: Main Cooking
Add the marinated chicken to the pan. Sauté over medium heat until the meat is browned on all sides. Stir in the nut paste, ensure it coats the chicken entirely. Pour in the remaining milk and soaked saffron, and let it simmer on a low flame. Add salt to taste and allow it to cook through.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
As the sauce thickens, incorporate the fresh cream and blend well into the gravy. Allow it to simmer gently for another 10 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
Step 6: Garnishing
Transfer the dish to a serving platter. Garnish with the fried onions set aside earlier and fresh coriander leaves.
Serving and Enjoying Nawabi Jiggler
The Nawabi Jiggler is best enjoyed with fragrant basmati rice or soft, warm naan. Allow the creamy texture and sumptuous aroma to envelop your senses. This majestic dish also pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh salad to cut the richness. Gather friends and family and share in the wealth of flavors, remembering each mouthful is a taste of history.