Chicken Jalfrezi


 Cuisine: Indian  Type: Entree

Chicken Jalfrezi : Entree in Indian cuisine - Recipe, Calorie Info, Healthy alternatives & more on EatM3
 Representative image. Recipe yield may differ

 Amounts


 Ingredient
 Amount (g)
Chicken
500 grams (500)
Onion
2 medium (200)
Capsicum
1 large (150)
Tomato
2 medium (200)
Garlic
4 cloves (12)
Ginger
1 inch (25)
Green Chili
2 medium (20)
Oil
2 tablespoon (28)
Cumin Seeds
1 teaspoon (5)
Coriander Powder
1 teaspoon (5)
Turmeric Powder
1 teaspoon (5)
Red Chili Powder
1 teaspoon (5)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Black Pepper Powder
1 teaspoon (5)
Garam Masala
1 teaspoon (5)
Fresh Coriander Leaves
2 tablespoon (6)
Lemon Juice
2 tablespoon (30)
 Totals
43 oz (1,206 g)

 Calories 


 Ingredient
 Calories (kcal)
Boneless Chicken
250
Onion
40
Green Bell Pepper
25
Red Bell Pepper
30
Tomato
20
Garlic Cloves
10
Ginger
5
Green Chili
5
Vegetable Oil
120
Cumin Seeds
5
Coriander Powder
10
Turmeric Powder
5
Red Chili Powder
5
Garam Masala
5
Salt
0
Water
0
Fresh Coriander Leaves
5
Lemon Juice
5
 Totals
545 kcal

 Steps 


1. Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. Stir in chopped ginger and garlic, cooking for about a minute until fragrant.
4. Add diced tomatoes and cook until they soften and release their juices.
5. Sprinkle ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder into the pan, stirring well to combine.
6. Add sliced bell peppers and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
7. Now, add boneless chicken pieces to the pan and cook until they are no longer pink.
8. Pour in a little water, cover the pan, and let the chicken simmer for about 10-15 minutes until it is cooked through.
9. Uncover the pan and stir in garam masala, salt, and freshly chopped cilantro.
10. Continue cooking for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
11. Serve the Chicken Jalfrezi hot with steamed rice or naan bread. Enjoy!

 Substitutions 


Substitutions/Alterations for Chicken Jalfrezi:

1. Chicken: Substitute with tofu, paneer (Indian cheese), or vegetables like cauliflower, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

2. Onion: Substitute with shallots or leeks.

3. Garlic: Substitute with garlic powder or granulated garlic. Use 1/2 teaspoon for every clove of garlic.

4. Ginger: Substitute with ginger powder or ground ginger. Use 1/4 teaspoon for every tablespoon of fresh ginger.

5. Green chili peppers: Substitute with jalapeno peppers or serrano peppers. Adjust quantity based on desired spice level.

6. Tomato: Substitute with canned diced tomatoes or tomato puree. Use 1/2 cup for every fresh tomato.

7. Tomato paste: Substitute with ketchup or tomato sauce. Adjust quantity based on desired taste and thickness.

8. Garam masala: Make your own by combining equal parts ground cumin, coriander, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves.

9. Turmeric powder: Substitute with curry powder or ground mustard. Use 1/4 teaspoon for every teaspoon of turmeric.

10. Cumin powder: Substitute with ground coriander or caraway seeds. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.

11. Coriander powder: Substitute with ground cumin or a combination of ground cumin and parsley flakes. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.

12. Red chili powder: Substitute with cayenne pepper or paprika. Adjust quantity based on desired spice level.

13. Salt: Adjust according to taste.

14. Cooking oil: Substitute with any neutral-flavored oil like vegetable or canola oil.

15. Fresh cilantro: Substitute with parsley or skip if unavailable.

Note: Adjustments in cooking time and spice levels may be required based on personal preferences and the chosen substitutes.

 Pairings 


- Naan bread
- Basmati rice
- Raita (yogurt sauce)
- Papadums (crispy lentil wafers)
- Mango chutney
- Cucumber salad
- Vegetable samosas
- Lassi (yogurt-based drink)
- Masala chai (spiced tea)
- Gulab jamun (Indian sweet)

 Upgrades 


1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro leaves or microgreens for a pop of color.
- Serve the Chicken Jalfrezi in a hollowed-out bell pepper or a carved-out pineapple for an eye-catching presentation.
- Use a squeeze bottle to drizzle a swirl of yogurt or mint chutney on top of the dish for an elegant touch.

2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a handful of toasted cashews or almonds to the Chicken Jalfrezi for a crunchy element.
- Incorporate a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to balance the spiciness and add a touch of sweetness.
- Finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice to brighten the flavors.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Substitute regular chicken with tender pieces of boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer and more succulent taste.
- Include a small amount of saffron strands soaked in warm milk to infuse the dish with a luxurious aroma and a subtle golden hue.
- For a decadent twist, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut cream towards the end of cooking to create a creamy and indulgent Chicken Jalfrezi.

Note: Remember to adjust the quantities of additional ingredients based on personal preferences and taste.

 Diet Restrictions 


- Use skinless chicken breast instead of chicken with skin to reduce the overall fat content.
- Replace vegetable oil with a healthier oil option like olive oil or coconut oil for cooking.
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the dish, such as bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, to add more fiber and nutrients.
- Use low-sodium or reduced-sodium soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce to reduce sodium intake.
- Reduce the amount of salt used in the recipe or replace it with alternative seasonings like herbs, spices, or lemon juice to lower sodium content.
- If following a low-carb diet, consider reducing the amount of onions and tomatoes as they contain natural sugars.
- For gluten-free diets, ensure that the soy sauce or tamari used is labeled gluten-free.
- To make the dish dairy-free, avoid adding any yogurt or cream traditionally used in Jalfrezi recipes.
- If following a vegetarian or vegan diet, substitute chicken with tofu, tempeh, or plant-based protein alternatives.
- Adjust the level of spiciness according to personal preference or dietary restrictions, such as reducing or omitting chili peppers for those with sensitive stomachs.

 Healthy Choices 


- Use skinless chicken breast instead of chicken with skin to reduce the amount of saturated fat.
- Incorporate a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes for added vitamins and minerals.
- Opt for cooking methods like grilling or baking instead of frying the chicken to reduce the overall fat content.
- Replace heavy cream or full-fat yogurt with low-fat yogurt or Greek yogurt to reduce the calorie and fat content.
- Reduce the amount of oil used for cooking by using non-stick pans or cooking sprays.
- Use spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and ginger for flavor instead of relying on excessive salt or high-sodium sauces.
- Serve the dish with whole grain options like brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice to increase fiber content.
- Consider adding a handful of spinach or other leafy greens to boost the nutritional value of the dish.
- Avoid adding additional salt and instead use herbs and spices to enhance the taste.
- Finally, portion control is key; serve the dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables to help fill you up without overeating.

 Shortcuts 


1. Use boneless chicken: Opt for boneless chicken to save time on deboning and reduce cooking time.
2. Pre-cut vegetables: Purchase pre-cut vegetables or use frozen ones to save time on chopping.
3. Use a store-bought spice mix: Instead of making your own spice blend, use a pre-made Jalfrezi spice mix to save time and ensure consistent flavors.
4. Cook chicken separately: Cook the chicken separately before adding it to the sauce to reduce overall cooking time.
5. Use canned tomatoes: Replace fresh tomatoes with canned ones to save time on peeling and chopping.
6. Skip marination: If short on time, skip marinating the chicken, but compensate by adding extra spices to the sauce.
7. Use a pressure cooker: Cook the chicken and vegetables in a pressure cooker to significantly reduce cooking time.
8. Reduce the amount of oil: Use less oil than the traditional recipe suggests to economize without compromising too much on taste.
9. Add yogurt: To stretch the sauce and make it creamier, add yogurt towards the end of cooking instead of using heavy cream.
10. Serve with rice or naan: Instead of making multiple side dishes, serve Chicken Jalfrezi with rice or naan bread to save time and cost.