Chicken Muitha is a classic Bengali preparation of succulent chicken koftas simmered in a flavoursome mustard-based gravy. The muithas are made with spiced minced chicken shaped into textured balls, while the gravy features a balanced blend of whole and ground spices for a rich, aromatic base. Garnished with fresh coriander and a swirl of cream, it makes for a hearty meal.
Sunrise tip: Shaping the muithas with the indents of your fingers is key to getting the classic uneven texture that allows the koftas to absorb more of the gravy.
Time: 2 minutes
In a small bowl, mix together the Sunrise Jeera, Dhania, Haldi and Lal Mirch powders along with salt to taste. Add 2 tbsp water and stir well to form a paste. Set aside.
Time: 10 minutes
In a large bowl, combine chicken mince, Sunrise Jeera Powder, Sunrise Shahi Garam Masala and salt. Mix well using your hands. Add the chopped garlic and green chillies. Knead to form a sticky mixture.
Coat your palms lightly with mustard oil. Scoop out small portions of the chicken mixture and shape them into uneven balls, pressing with your fingers to create indents. Repeat till you use up the entire chicken mixture.
Time: 6 minutes
Heat mustard oil for shallow frying in a pan. Once hot, add the muithas in batches and fry on medium heat, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides.
Drain on a plate lined with kitchen paper and set aside.
Time: 10 minutes
In the same pan, temper the whole garam masala - bay leaf, green cardamom, cloves and cinnamon. Once they splutter, add sliced onions and sugar. Fry until light golden.
Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and the prepared dry masala paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes on low heat.
Time: 15 minutes
Add the fried muithas to the gravy and toss well to coat. Pour in 1 cup water, cover and simmer for 10 minutes until the koftas soften.
Stir in the curd and half the coriander leaves. Cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes more. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. You can sprinkle 1/2 tsp of the Sunrise Shahi Garam Masala now if you want.
Time: 2 minutes
Transfer the Chicken Muitha to a serving bowl. Drizzle with fresh cream and sprinkle remaining coriander leaves on top.
Serve hot with steamed rice or luchi (Bengali puffed bread). Enjoy your delectable homemade Chicken Muitha!
Side Dish: Steamed rice, Luchi (Bengali puffed bread), Pulao