As one of the most delicious dishes to come out of the Indian culinary culture, chicken jalfrezi is much loved but little-seen on Indian restaurant menus in America. However, Indian restaurants with authentic offerings are working hard to include this spicy, flavorful curry as part of their selection.
History of Chicken Jalfrezi
Despite its deep roots in Indian culture, jalfrezi hails from the cookbooks of British India. Like many dishes, its origin stems from a need to reduce food waste by reusing leftovers. The creators of this dish found that by using extra proteins, like chicken, fish, or paneer, and combining them with onions, chili peppers, and tomatoes, they could quickly craft a tasty meal that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Unlike other curries, though, jalfrezi is typically created by stir-frying ingredients together. This classic Chinese cooking technique allows for the curry to be ready in around 30 minutes total, as opposed to other curries, which can take several hours for the flavors to properly meld.
Due to the popularity of Indian dishes in the United Kingdom, jalfrezi is found on many Indian menus across the pond. In a poll taken earlier this decade, jalfrezi was voted the most popular Indian dish in the U.K. Only madras, a similarly pepper-powered meal, came within a couple of percentage points of first place.
Chicken Jalfrezi Flavor and Ingredients
As this dish only takes 30 minutes to prepare, you may find jalfrezi to be less complicated than your typical curry. It’s quick-cooking time also allows for a lighter meal than curries whose long cook times create more concentration of flavor. However, the use of spices, chili peppers, and high temperatures produce a distinctly mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for a weekday meal or on a hot summer day.
If you’re looking to try the dish at home, your shopping list should include around a dozen ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Spices, such as chili powder, star anise, cumin seeds, nigella seeds, turmeric, coriander, and garam masala
- Peeled and grated fresh ginger
- Grated fresh garlic
- Two bell peppers, one green and one red
- Half of a medium onion
- A can of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- A fresh tomato, cubed
- Two bell peppers, one green and one red
- Kitchen essentials, such as vegetable oil, butter, salt, and pepper
For serving, it’s recommended to pair with basmati rice or naan. Both accompaniments serve as the perfect delivery system for that mouthwatering sauce and help cool things down if the chili peppers prove too powerful. Often, this dish is also served with a couple of lime wedges and fresh cilantro, for added flavor and zest.
Little India – The Best Indian Restaurant in Downtown Denver
If you’re looking for an authentic, delicious Indian restaurant in Downtown Denver, search no further than Little India. While we believe our wide selection of Indian cuisine speaks for itself, we’re also happy to have a long list of awards speak for us, too, including Best Indian Food by the Denver Post Dining Guide and Best Indian Restaurant by Westword Readers Choice Awards just to name a few.
With two locations – one on 6th Avenue and another on Downing Street – and a new food truck, Little India is always where you need it. Make sure to stop by today for delicious Indian dishes from classics like vindaloos and curries to specialty fare like chicken jalfrezi, lamb madras, and paneer butter masala.
Image Credit: Joe Gough
