Afghan Chicken Qorma

• •1.5 lb Chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on (or boneless, skinless, cut into 2-inch pieces)
• •2 piece Yellow onions (large, thinly sliced)
• •4 piece Garlic cloves (minced)
• •1 tbsp Fresh ginger (grated)
• •1 tsp Ground turmeric
• •1 tsp Ground cumin
• •1 tsp Ground coriander
• •0.5 tsp Black pepper
• •0.5 tsp Cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• •1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
• •0.5 cup Plain full-fat yogurt
• •0.5 cup Diced tomatoes (canned, undrained)
• •0.8 cup Water or chicken broth
• •3 tbsp Vegetable oil
• •0.3 cup Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season generously with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Set aside.

2. 2

   Heat vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until deeply golden brown and caramelized. This will take about 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial for the qorma's flavor and color.

3. 3

   Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. 4

   Stir in turmeric, cumin, coriander, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, remaining ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices.

5. 5

   Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pot. Increase heat to medium-high and sear the chicken on all sides until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. This helps lock in flavor.

6. 6

   Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), yogurt, and water or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is very tender and cooked through.

7. 7

   Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.

Chef's Tips

• 💡Don't rush the caramelization of the onions – this step is key to developing the deep, rich flavor of the qorma.
• 💡For an even richer sauce, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the diced tomatoes.
• 💡Serve Afghan Chicken Qorma with fluffy basmati rice, naan bread, or a simple side salad to complete the meal.