Shahi Malai Chicken

5 months, and trying various varieties of Chicken every weekend.. So just as I keep looking for new recipes for chicken on the go regularly, I also try and keep experimenting with various ingredients to create new recipes. So just like I invented Butter Chicken with a twist and Grilled chicken Jalfrezi; this one is another experiment I did over the weekend; and wow, it came out so wonderful, so rich and creamy and so yum it was finger-licking good... So another successful experiment! Yay !

Ingredients:

Chicken: 250 gm

Cooking oil: 2 tsp.

Star anise: 1

Coriander seeds: 1/2 tsp.

Green cardamom: 2

Cinnamon stick: 1 inch

Onion: 1

Tomato: 1

Green chilli: 1

A few cashew nuts

Garlic (chopped): 3 cloves

Ginger: 1 inch

Yogurt: 1/2 cup

Cream: 1/2 cup

Mint leaves to garnish

Salt to taste

Garam masala: 1/2 tsp.

1. Grind the onion to a smooth paste and keep aside.
2. Heat oil on medium flame and add the cardamom seeds, coriander seeds, star anise and cinnamon. Let fry for a while and add the onion paste. Let it fry until it starts getting brown. 
3. Add the garlic and fry. In a blender, add the tomatoes, green chilli, ginger and cashews. Grind to a smooth paste and add to the pan. Let cook this masala until it starts leaving oil on the sides.
4. Add the yogurt and garam masala. Mix well and let cook for about 2 minutes. 
   
5. Add the chicken and the salt. Mix and cover. Let cook for about 15 minutes. 
6. Remove cover and open cook for 3-4 minutes. Add the cream and mix well. Cook for another 3-4 minutes. 
7. Garnish with mint leaves and serve.