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Saoji Chicken | Nagpur Saoji Chicken Rassa

Saoji Chicken Nagpuri Style is a hot and spicy chicken curry, a true delicacy of Nagpur, Maharashtra. Saoji Chicken curry is made with a special hot and spicy Saoji masala which has a unique flavour. Total spice lovers delight!
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian, Maharashtrian
Keyword: authentic saoji chicken curry, maharashtrian recipe, nagpur recipe, saoji chicken recipe, saoji masala recipe
Servings: 6 people
Author: Arpita@Gastronomic Bong

Equipment

  • large thick bottomed pan
  • mixer grinder
  • skillet

Ingredients

Saoji Chicken curry

  • 800-1 kg Chicken
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
  • 1/2-1 tsp Chilli powder
  • Saoji Masala (recipe below)
  • Salt as per taste
  • 2-3 tbsp Oil

Saoji Masala

  • 3 large Onions Thinly sliced
  • 3/4 cup Desiccated Coconut /Dried coconut grated
  • 12-14 Dried red chillies (I used half kashmiri chillies and half guntur for the spice)
  • 2 Bay leaves
  • 2 inch Cinnamon sticks
  • 4-6 Green Cardamom
  • 8 Cloves
  • 2 Black cardamoms
  • 1 Stone flower (Dagad phool)
  • 1 tbsp Aniseeds/Fennel seeds
  • 1 Mace
  • 1 1/2 tsp Shahi Jeera
  • 10 Black Peppercorns
  • 2 tbsp Coriander seeds
  • 2 tsp Poppy seeds/KhusKhus
  • 2 inch Ginger
  • 6-7 large Garlic cloves
  • 2 1/2 tbsp Oil

Instructions

Saoji Masala

  • Heat 1 1/2 tbsp oil in a pan and fry the onions until golden brown. You can add some salt to fasten the process.
  • Meanwhile another pan heat 1 tbsp of oil on medium low heat. Now add all he dry whole spices except the coconut,ginger and garlic and and saute until fragrant.
  • Finally add the coconut and saute until golden and fragrant.
  • Add fried onions, ginger, garlic, sauteed spices in a mixer grinder and ground it into a smooth paste with minimal water.

Saoji Chicken Curry

  • Marinate the chicken with turmeric powder, chilli powder and salt and keep it aside for 15 minutes.
  • In a large kadhai or pan heat oil on high heat. Add the marinated chicken and fry on high heat until it develops a lovely golden colour.
  • Now add the prepared saoji masala to the chicken and mix everything well.
  • Saute for 2-3 minutes with the masala.
  • Add water as per your desired consistency and bring it to a boil.
  • Then lower the heat and cover and cook for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
  • Serve it hot with rice, roti or bhakri along with onion and lime.