
SALI MURGHI

Introduction
This dish, Sali Murghi, is a rich and flavorful chicken preparation that beautifully balances tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet notes. Tender marinated chicken is cooked in a robust gravy infused with aromatic spices, finished with crispy potato straws (sali) for texture and indulgence. It is a classic comfort dish, perfect for festive meals or gourmet dining experiences.
Ingredients
For Chicken Curry
- 1 kg – Chicken (curry cut)
- 150 gms – Onion (chopped)
- 30 gms – Ginger garlic paste
- 200 gms – Curd
- 4 nos – Green chilies (paste)
- 150 gms – Tomatoes (pureed)
- 25 gms – Red chilli powder
- 20 gms – Turmeric powder
- 20 gms – Cumin powder
- 15 gms – Coriander powder
- 5 gms – Garam masala
- 10 gms – Jaggery
- 25 ml – Vinegar
- 30 ml – Vegetable oil
- 20 gms – Black pepper powder
- 3 nos – Bay leaves
- 2-inch – Cinnamon stick
- 3 nos – Black cardamom
- 5 nos – Green cardamom
- Salt to taste
For Paste
- 45 gms – Onion
- 15 gms – Red chilies
- 10 gms – Ginger
- 10 gms – Garlic
- 100 ml – Water
For Sali (Crispy Potatoes)
- 5 nos – Large potatoes
- 5 gms – Salt
- 1 litre – Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
Method
Preparation
- Wash chicken thoroughly.
- Marinate with ginger garlic paste, onion paste, green chilli paste, curd, salt, and turmeric powder.
- Rest for 2–3 hours for best flavor absorption.
- Cooking Method
- Heat oil in a thick-bottomed pan.
- Add bay leaves, cinnamon, green and black cardamom; sauté until aromatic.
- Add chopped onions and fry until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Add tomato puree and cook until oil separates.
- Add cumin, coriander, turmeric powder, and jaggery; cook for 5 minutes.
- Add vinegar and mix well.
- Add marinated chicken and cook on low flame for 10 minutes.
- Add about 2 cups of hot water, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.
- Adjust salt and cook until gravy thickens and turns rich red.
- Sali Preparation
- Cut potatoes into thin matchstick strips.
- Soak in salted water for 15 minutes.
- Heat oil and fry potatoes in small batches on low flame.
- Fry until crisp and golden brown.
- Drain and keep aside.
- Final Assembly (Sali Ma Marghi)
- Mix ⅔ of fried potatoes into the chicken curry.
- Garnish with the remaining crispy potatoes on top.
- Chef’s Tips
- Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor.
- Cook onions slowly to achieve perfect caramelization.
- Maintain low flame while cooking to keep chicken tender.
- Fry potatoes in batches to ensure crispiness.
- Balance tanginess and sweetness with vinegar and jaggery carefully.
- Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.
- Garnish with fresh coriander for added freshness.
- Pair with a light salad or raita for a complete meal.
- Chef of the Day – Congratulations Mr. Chandrakanth (DFPCA)
- The Indian Institute of Hotel Management and Culinary Arts proudly recognizes Mr. Chandrakanth as the Chef of the Day. A talented and dedicated student, he consistently strives to master the art of cooking. His passion, discipline, and creativity are clearly reflected in this delicious and well-executed dish.
- Join IIHMCA
- Inspired by Chef Chandrakanth’s journey?Join IIHMCA and step into the world of professional culinary arts. Gain hands-on experience, refine your skills, and showcase your talent on a prestigious platform. Your culinary dream starts here!
