Murgh Musallam is a sumptuous Mughlai dish that features whole chicken marinated and cooked with a rich blend of spices, herbs, and aromatics. This guide will walk you through the process of making this royal dish, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

•1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), cleaned and skinless

•1 cup yogurt

•2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste

•1 tablespoon turmeric powder

•1 tablespoon red chili powder

•1 teaspoon garam masala

•Salt to taste

For the Masala:

•2 large onions, finely sliced

•2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) or vegetable oil

•4 cloves garlic, minced

•1 tablespoon ginger, minced

•2 large tomatoes, finely chopped

•1 tablespoon cumin seeds

•1 tablespoon coriander powder

•1 teaspoon turmeric powder

•1 teaspoon red chili powder

•1 teaspoon garam masala

•1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder

•2-3 green chilies, slit (optional, for extra heat)

•1/2 cup cashew nuts, soaked in water for 30 minutes

•1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped

•1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

•1/2 cup water or chicken stock

•Salt to taste

For Garnish:

•Fried onions

•Fresh coriander and mint leaves

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

•In a large bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt.

•Rub the marinade all over the chicken, making sure to get it under the skin and inside the cavity.

•Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for best results.

2. Prepare the Masala:

•Heat ghee or oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.

•Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

•Add finely sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.

•Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.

•Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down and release their juices.

•Blend the soaked cashew nuts with a little water to make a smooth paste. Add this paste to the pan and cook for a few minutes.

•Add coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and cinnamon powder. Mix well and cook until the oil begins to separate from the masala.

3. Cook the Chicken:

•Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

•Stuff the chicken cavity with some of the fresh coriander and mint leaves.

•Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.

•Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Check by inserting a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

4. Finish the Dish:

•Transfer the cooked chicken to the pan with the masala. Pour in water or chicken stock to make a gravy. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

•Adjust seasoning with salt and more garam masala if needed.

•Garnish with fried onions, fresh coriander, and mint leaves.

5. Serve:

•Serve the Murgh Musallam hot with naan, rice, or any Indian bread of your choice.

Tips for Perfect Murgh Musallam

•Marination Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal.

•Roasting: For a deeper flavor, you can roast the marinated chicken in a tandoor or on a grill before simmering it in the masala.

•Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chilies and red chili powder based on your preferred spice level.

•Consistency of Masala: If the masala is too thick, add a bit more water or chicken stock to reach your desired consistency.

By following this detailed recipe and guide, you’ll be able to create a delicious and authentic Murgh Musallam that’s sure to impress your family and guests. Enjoy!

Murgh Musallam is a rich and flavorful Indian chicken dish that originates from Mughlai cuisine. It features a whole chicken marinated in a blend of spices, yogurt, and sometimes saffron, and then slow-cooked to perfection. The dish is known for its aromatic and hearty gravy, often made with a combination of onions, tomatoes, and various spices, including garam masala.

The Bayrich brand provides a ready-to-cook mix for Murgh Musallam, simplifying the preparation process. This product is available in Thane, Mumbai, and is designed to make cooking this traditional dish more convenient, offering an authentic taste without the need for extensive preparation or individual spice blending.