Yellow Cucumber Chicken Curry Recipe | Chicken Cucumber Curry Recipe | Curry with High Protein | Nutrient-Rich Chicken Curry | Vitamin-Packed Curry Recipe | Curry with Vitamin A, C, E, K | Potassium and Magnesium Curry | Skin Glow Curry Recipe | Healthy Chicken Curry | Easy Chicken Cucumber Curry
**Chicken
Cucumber Curry Recipe**
**Preparation Time**: 20 minutes
**Cooking Time**: 30 minutes
**Total Time**: 50 minutes
**Servings**: 4-6 servings
**Introduction**:
Chicken
cucumber curry is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines tender chicken
pieces with the subtle sweetness of yellow cucumbers, enriched with aromatic
spices. This dish is beloved in many households for its comforting flavors and
wholesome ingredients. Whether served with rice or bread, it’s a versatile main
course that appeals to a wide range of palates.
**Importance of Ingredients**:
Each
ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall taste
and nutritional value:
-
**Chicken**: Provides high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and
repair.
-
**Yellow Cucumber (Dosakaya)**: Adds a refreshing crunch and mild sweetness,
rich in vitamins A, C, and K, along with minerals like potassium and magnesium.
-
**Spices (Cloves, Cinnamon, Bay Leaf, etc.)**: Contribute aromatic flavors and
have potential health benefits such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
properties.
-
**Ginger Garlic Paste**: Enhances the depth of flavor and offers potential
health benefits including immune-boosting properties.
-
**Garam Masala**: A blend of ground spices that adds warmth and complexity to
the dish, contributing to its distinct flavor profile.
**Occasions and Who Can Enjoy It**:
Chicken
cucumber curry is versatile enough to be enjoyed on various occasions:
-
**Family Meals**: Perfect for everyday dinners, offering a balanced mix of
protein and vegetables.
-
**Special Occasions**: Can be served at gatherings and celebrations due to its
comforting and crowd-pleasing nature.
-
**Health-conscious Individuals**: Suitable for those looking to incorporate
lean protein and vegetables into their diet.
-
**Cultural Relevance**: Celebrated in Indian cuisine and appreciated globally
for its flavorful combination of ingredients.
**Benefits and Uses of Having This Recipe**:
-
**Nutrient-Rich**: Provides a balanced mix of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
-
**Versatile**: Can be paired with different types of bread, rice, or enjoyed on
its own.
-
**Easy to Prepare**: Requires simple ingredients and straightforward cooking
methods.
-
**Customizable**: Easily adaptable with additional vegetables or adjusting
spice levels according to personal preference.
**Ingredients**:
· 500 g Chicken, cut
into pieces
· 2 Yellow cucumbers
(Dosakaya) or 500 g, peeled and sliced
· 1 Tomato, sliced
· 1 Onion, sliced
· 2 tsp Ginger garlic
paste
· 1 tsp Garam masala
powder
· 3-4 tsp Oil
· 1 tsp Turmeric powder
· Salt, to taste
· 2-3 tsp Chili powder
(adjust to taste)
· 1 Bay leaf
· 4-5 Cloves
· 1 small piece
Cinnamon stick
· 1 Anas flower
(optional)
· 1 Jaji Nut/Nutmeg
(optional)
· 1 tsp Shajeera
(Caraway seeds)
· Fresh Coriander
leaves for garnish
**Detailed Cooking Instructions**:
1. **Preparation**:
Start by gathering and preparing all the
ingredients as mentioned in the list above. Wash and cut the chicken into
medium-sized pieces. Peel and slice the yellow cucumbers (Dosakaya), ensuring
uniform thickness for even cooking. Slice the onion, tomato, and gather all the
spices and other ingredients.
2. **Tempering and Initial Cooking**:
- Heat a large pan or pressure cooker over
medium heat. Add oil and allow it to heat up.
- Once hot, add cloves, cinnamon stick, bay
leaf, Anas flower (if using), Jaji Nut/Nutmeg (if using), and Shajeera (caraway
seeds). Fry for about a minute until they release their aromatic flavors.
3. **Sautéing Onions and Tomatoes**:
- Add the sliced onions to the pan and sauté
until they turn translucent.
- Then, add the sliced tomatoes and cook
until they soften and begin to break down, stirring occasionally.
4. **Adding Spices and Ginger Garlic Paste**:
-
Reduce the heat to medium to prevent burning the spices. Add salt, chili powder
(adjust according to spice preference), turmeric powder, and ginger garlic
paste.
- Mix well and cook until the raw smell of
ginger garlic paste dissipates and the mixture becomes fragrant.
5. **Cooking Chicken**:
- Add the chicken pieces to the pan or
pressure cooker. Increase the heat to medium-high and sauté the chicken with
the spice mixture, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. This step helps in
sealing the flavors into the chicken.
6. **Pressure Cooking (if using a cooker) **:
- If using a pressure cooker, after sautéing
the chicken for a few minutes, close the lid and cook for about 3 whistles on
medium heat.
- Turn off the heat and allow the pressure
to release naturally. Once safe to open, check if the chicken is tender.
7. **Adding Cucumber**:
- Once the chicken is partially cooked (if
cooking in a pan), or after pressure cooking (if using a cooker), add the
sliced cucumber pieces to the curry.
- This step allows the cucumber to cook
along with the chicken, absorbing the flavors of the curry.
8. **Simmering and Thickening**:
- If using a pan, add a little water to
achieve the desired consistency of the curry.
- Simmer on low heat until the chicken and
cucumber are fully cooked and tender, and the curry thickens. Stir occasionally
to prevent sticking.
9. **Adding Garam Masala and Final Garnish**:
- Once the curry reaches the desired consistency,
sprinkle garam masala powder over the curry and mix well.
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander
leaves for added freshness and color.
10. **Serving**:
- Serve hot, accompanied by steamed rice,
roti, or any bread of your choice.
- Chicken cucumber curry is a complete meal
in itself, offering a balance of protein, vitamins, and essential nutrients.
**Storage**:
Leftovers
can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until piping hot before serving.
**Health Benefits and Uses**:
-
**Protein-Rich**: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, necessary for
muscle repair and growth.
-
**Vitamin-Packed**: Yellow cucumbers are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, which
support immune function and promote healthy skin and vision.
-
**Mineral Content**: Contains essential minerals like potassium and magnesium,
crucial for electrolyte balance and nerve function.
-
**Digestive Aid**: The combination of spices and ginger garlic paste aids
digestion and can help alleviate digestive discomfort.
-
**Versatile Dish**: Suitable for various dietary preferences and adaptable with
additional vegetables or adjusting spice levels.
**Cooking Tips and Variations**:
-
**Spice Level**: Adjust chili powder according to personal preference for heat.
-
**Vegetable Additions**: Enhance with additional vegetables such as potatoes,
bell peppers, or carrots.
-
**Creamy Variation**: For a creamy texture, add a splash of coconut milk or
cream towards the end of cooking.
-
**Variations**: You can personalize this recipe by adding vegetables like
potatoes or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor. Adjust the spice levels
according to your preference.
-
**Health Benefits**: This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious.
Chicken provides high-quality protein while cucumbers are rich in vitamins A,
C, and K, along with minerals. It’s a wholesome meal suitable for a balanced
diet.
-
**Cultural Significance**: In many cultures, including Indian cuisine, curries
hold a special place as traditional comfort food. Each region has its own
variation of curries, often reflecting local ingredients and culinary
traditions.
**Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings) **:
This
section can include a breakdown of the nutritional content of the dish,
highlighting its protein, fiber, vitamin, and mineral content per serving.
-
Calories: Approximately 240 kcal
-
Protein: 25g
-
Carbohydrates: 9g
-
Fiber: 2g
-
Sugar: 4g
-
Fat: 11g
-
Saturated Fat: 2g
-
Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
-
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
-
Cholesterol: 70mg
-
Sodium: 600mg
-
Vitamin A: 1200 IU
-
Vitamin C: 20mg
-
Calcium: 60mg
-
Iron: 2mg
**Nutritional Breakdown and Benefits**:
1.
Protein: Chicken provides a significant amount of high quality protein,
essential for muscle repair and growth.
2.
Vitamins and Minerals:
-
Vitamin A: Supports vision health and immune function.
-
Vitamin C: Acts as an antioxidant and supports immune health.
-
Calcium and Iron: Important for bone health and oxygen transport in the body.
-
Potassium: Helps maintain fluid balance and supports heart health.
3.
Fiber: Contributes to digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
4.
Healthy Fats: The dish contains moderate amounts of healthy fats from cooking
oil, which are essential for overall health and nutrient absorption.
5.
Low in Sugar: Contains natural sugars from vegetables, making it a balanced
choice for those watching their intake.
**Health Benefits**:
-
Weight Management: High protein content helps in increasing satiety and
managing weight.
-
Immune Support: Vitamins A and C support immune function, helping the body
fight infections.
-
Heart Health: Low in saturated fats and sodium, which are important for heart
health.
-
Bone Health: Calcium and vitamin D support bone health and strength.
**Uses and Serving Suggestions**:
Serve
the Chicken Cucumber Curry hot with steamed rice, roti, or any bread of your
choice. It’s a complete meal on its own, providing a balanced combination of
protein, vegetables, and essential nutrients. Enjoy it for lunch or dinner, and
refrigerate leftovers for up to 2-3 days.
This
nutritional information provides a snapshot of the health benefits and nutrient
content of the Chicken Cucumber Curry, making it a wholesome and nutritious
choice for any mealtime.
**Presentation and Servings**:
Chicken
cucumber curry can be presented attractively with a garnish of fresh coriander
leaves on top. Serve in a deep bowl alongside steamed rice or freshly made roti
for a wholesome meal. This recipe typically serves 4-6 people, making it ideal
for family meals or gatherings.
**Conclusion**:
Chicken
cucumber curry is not just a dish; it’s a culinary experience that blends
aromatic spices with nutritious ingredients. Its versatility allows it to be
enjoyed on various occasions, catering to different tastes and dietary needs.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal or a nutritious addition to your
menu, this recipe offers both flavor and health benefits in every bite.
By following these detailed instructions, you can create a delicious chicken cucumber curry that is sure to become a favorite at your table. Enjoy the process of cooking and savoring this delightful dish with your loved ones!
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