Zafrani Chicken Curry

After my Zafrani Chicken Biryani was absolutely loved, and we soaked in the royal feeling of the same, I decided to try my hands with the zafrani masala to prepare this Zafrani Chicken Curry.. Originally, this curry is a shade of orange, which is obtained by adding food colour. I try to avoid food colours, but if you like, you could skip the turmeric and add the orange colour instead.

Ingredients:

Chicken: 200 gm
Butter: 3 tsp.
Cloves: 2
Cardamom: 1
Cinnamon: 1 inch
Star anise: 1
Bay leaves: 2
Onion (chopped): 1
Garlic chopped): 3 cloves
Ginger (chopped): 1 inch
Green chilli (slit): 2
Mint leaves: a few (also mint powder can be added)
Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp.
Red chilli powder: 1/2 tsp.
Coriander powder: 1/2 tsp.
Garam Masala: 1/2 tsp.
Lemon juice: 2 tsp.
Salt: To taste
Yoghurt: 4 tsp.

1. Heat butter and temper all the whole spices: cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, star anise and bay leaves. Add chopped onions and let fry till they start getting brown.
2. Add ginger and garlic and cook for another minute. Add the mint leaves and mix well. Add the slit green chillis and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add turmeric, red chilli, coriander powder, salt and yoghurt. Mix well. Add the chicken pieces. Mix well and let cook for a minute. Add the garam masala and mix.
4. Add a bit of water (1/2 cup) and cover. Let cook for 15 minutes. Remove cover, add the lemon juice and serve hot.