Black Pepper Chicken Curry

Black Pepper Chicken Curry is one of our rotation of chicken curries. I make it with very basic spices yet it comes out incredibly delicious. Spicy kick of freshly ground black pepper and slightly tangy gravy is great with steamed rice or roti and a side salad. I make it whitish, yellowish or reddish in color. It doesn't make that much difference in taste; but using freshly ground black pepper makes this chicken curry really stand out. Here is my take on Black Pepper Chicken Curry.

Ingredients~

(US customary units)

2 1/2 lb. bone in chicken leg and thigh 

3/4 cup whole milk strained plain yogurt

2 tbsp lemon/lime juice

1/3 tsp turmeric

1 1/2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper

1/2 tsp cumin powder

1/2 tsp coriander powder 

1 1/2 cups julienne onions

2 tsp thick ginger paste

1 tsp thick garlic paste

5-6 hot green chilies, slightly slit

3/4 tsp salt or as per taste

1/2 cup full fat or 2% milk

1/8 tsp tapioca starch

3 tbsp oil

1 cup hot water

Method~

Marinate the chicken with 1/3 cup yogurt, lime juice, 1/2 tsp salt, turmeric and 1/4 tsp ground black pepper at least for 2 hours or over night in the refrigerator. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Saute onion until soft. Add in ginger-garlic paste, black pepper, cumin, coriander, and saute for 3-4 minutes until the raw smell goes off over low heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces into the mixture. Keep stirring until the spices coat the chicken nicely for 8-10 minutes and raw smell. Pour in 2 1/2 cup warm water. Bring to a boil on high heat then let it simmer for about 10 minutes with the lid on over low-medium heat. Stir in between so it doesn't stick to the bottom. 

Whisk remaining yogurt, tapioca starch and milk together. Once the chicken pieces are almost cooked through, reduce heat to low and slowly add yogurt to the gravy. Gently fold until well incorporated. Make sure yogurt mixture doesn't curdle. Add chilies. Cook for 3-4 minutes over low heat or until desired gravy consistency is reached. Have a taste test and adjust seasonings. Drizzle whipped yogurt on top (optional). Serve with plain rice, polao,or roti and salad on the side.

Happy Cooking!