Chicken Dalcha Recipe | Authentic Hyderabadi Style | Delicious Chicken Dalcha Recipe

Описание: Welcome to our channel! Today, we're diving into the flavors of Hyderabad with a classic Chicken Dalcha recipe. This hearty, comforting dish combines tender chicken with perfectly cooked lentils, simmered in a rich blend of spices, and finished with coconut milk for an extra touch of creaminess. Chicken Dalcha is a delicious pairing with rice or naan, making it an ideal meal for any occasion!

Ingredients
For the Lentils:
1/2 cup split Bengal gram (chana dal), washed and soaked for 30 minutes
1/4 cup pigeon peas (toor dal), washed and soaked for 30 minutes
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
Salt to taste
3 cups water
For the Chicken:
500 grams chicken (bone-in, cut into medium pieces)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp oil
For the Masala:
2 tbsp oil or ghee
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 tomatoes, finely chopped
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
3-4 green chilies, slit (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp garam masala powder
1 tbsp tamarind paste (optional, for tanginess)
1/2 cup thick coconut milk (optional, for extra richness)
Fresh coriander and mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Lentils
In a pot, add soaked chana dal and toor dal with water, turmeric, and salt.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the lentils are soft but not mushy, about 20-25 minutes. Set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Heat oil in a pan, add chicken pieces, and sear until lightly browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Masala Base
In the same pan, add 2 tbsp oil or ghee, and add the sliced onions. Cook until they are golden brown.
Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Cook until the tomatoes are soft, and the oil starts to separate from the masala.

Step 4: Combine Chicken, Lentils, and Masala
Add the browned chicken pieces to the masala and mix well.
Pour in the cooked lentils, and add 2-3 cups of water to achieve the desired consistency. Stir well and cover the pan.
Simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and flavors blend together.

Step 5: Final Seasoning
Add garam masala powder and tamarind paste (if using), and simmer for another 5 minutes.

For a creamier texture, add coconut milk and mix well.
Garnish with fresh coriander and mint leaves.
Serving Suggestions

Serve your Chicken Dalcha hot with steamed basmati rice, jeera rice, or naan. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors!