Chicken Keema
Cuisine: Indian Type: Entree

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Chicken
500 grams (500)
Onion
2 medium (200)
Ginger
1 inch (10)
Garlic
4 cloves (20)
Green Chili
2 medium (20)
Tomato
2 medium (200)
Turmeric Powder
1 teaspoon (5)
Red Chili Powder
1 teaspoon (5)
Coriander Powder
1 teaspoon (5)
Cumin Powder
1 teaspoon (5)
Garam Masala Powder
1 teaspoon (5)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Cooking Oil
2 tablespoon (28)
Fresh Coriander Leaves
2 tablespoon (10)
Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon (15)
Totals
36 oz
(1,033 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Ground Chicken
250
Onion
40
Garlic
5
Ginger
5
Green Chili
10
Tomato
25
Vegetable Oil
120
Cumin Powder
10
Coriander Powder
10
Turmeric Powder
5
Red Chili Powder
5
Garam Masala
5
Salt
0
Fresh Cilantro
5
Totals
495 kcal
Steps
1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
4. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
5. Add chopped green chilies and sauté for another minute.
6. Add minced chicken (keema) and cook until it turns white and no longer pink.
7. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala.
8. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
9. Cook for a few minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
10. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
11. Add salt to taste and mix well.
12. Lastly, add chopped coriander leaves and mix again.
13. Remove from heat and serve hot with rice or roti.
Substitutions
Substitutions for Chicken Keema in Indian cuisine:
1. Ground turkey or lamb: Substitute chicken with an equal amount of ground turkey or lamb for a different meat option. Adjust cooking time as needed, as turkey may cook faster than chicken.
2. Tofu: Replace chicken with an equal amount of crumbled tofu for a vegetarian alternative. Add extra spices or seasonings to enhance the flavor, as tofu has a milder taste compared to chicken.
3. Chickpeas: Use cooked and mashed chickpeas as a vegetarian alternative. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chickpeas do not require the same amount of time to cook as chicken.
4. Vegetable medley: Create a vegetable keema by using a mix of finely chopped vegetables such as carrots, peas, bell peppers, and cauliflower. Adjust cooking time based on the vegetables used, as they may require different cooking times compared to chicken.
5. Coconut milk: If the recipe calls for yogurt or cream, substitute with an equal amount of coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Keep in mind that coconut milk will add a subtle coconut flavor to the dish.
6. Garam masala: If garam masala is not available, you can make a substitute by combining equal parts of ground cumin, coriander, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves.
7. Fresh ginger and garlic: If fresh ginger and garlic are not on hand, you can use powdered ginger and garlic as a substitute. Use half the amount of powdered ginger and garlic compared to the fresh ones called for in the recipe.
8. Green chili paste: If you don't have green chili paste, you can use finely chopped fresh green chilies or substitute with red chili powder or cayenne pepper. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
Note: Adjustments in cooking time and seasoning may be required based on personal taste preferences and the specific substitutions made.
Pairings
- Naan bread
- Basmati rice
- Raita (yogurt-based dip)
- Pickled onions
- Mango chutney
- Papadums
- Mint chutney
- Cucumber salad
- Vegetable biryani
- Tandoori roti
- Masoor dal (red lentil curry)
- Vegetable samosas
- Aloo paratha (potato-stuffed flatbread)
- Chicken tikka masala
- Palak paneer (spinach and cottage cheese curry)
- Lassi (yogurt-based drink)
- Masala chai (spiced tea)
- Mango lassi
- Rosewater-flavored milk
- Indian beer (such as Kingfisher)
- Nimbu pani (lemonade)
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves or microgreens for a pop of color.
- Serve the Chicken Keema in a hollowed-out bell pepper or tomato for an elegant presentation.
- Create a decorative swirl on the plate using a squeeze bottle filled with yogurt or mint chutney.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a handful of finely chopped cashews or almonds to the Chicken Keema for a crunchy texture.
- Incorporate a spoonful of ghee (clarified butter) at the end to enhance the richness and depth of flavors.
- Sprinkle a pinch of garam masala or chaat masala on top before serving to add a burst of aromatic flavors.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Replace regular ground chicken with ground chicken thigh meat for a more succulent and flavorful result.
- Add a splash of cream or coconut milk to the dish for a luxurious and creamy texture.
- Garnish with edible gold leaf or saffron strands to give it a touch of opulence and sophistication.
Diet Restrictions
1. Use lean ground chicken or turkey instead of fatty meats like lamb or beef to reduce saturated fat content.
2. Increase the proportion of vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, bell peppers) to add more fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
3. Replace full-fat yogurt with low-fat or Greek yogurt to reduce calorie and fat intake.
4. Opt for cooking methods like grilling, baking, or steaming instead of deep frying to minimize added oil and calories.
5. Reduce the amount of oil used for cooking by using non-stick pans or cooking sprays.
6. Replace white rice with whole grain options like brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and nutrients.
7. Limit the use of salt and opt for flavorful spices and herbs like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and ginger instead.
8. For those with gluten intolerance, use gluten-free alternatives like chickpea flour (besan) instead of wheat flour for binding.
9. Adjust the spice level to accommodate individuals with sensitive stomachs or heartburn issues.
10. For those with lactose intolerance, replace dairy-based ingredients with non-dairy alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk.
Remember to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice based on specific dietary restrictions or health conditions.
Healthy Choices
- Use lean ground chicken or turkey instead of regular ground meat to reduce the amount of saturated fat.
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the dish such as carrots, peas, bell peppers, or spinach to boost the fiber and nutrient content.
- Use whole wheat or multigrain roti or bread instead of white flour roti or naan to increase the fiber and whole grain intake.
- Substitute full-fat yogurt with low-fat or Greek yogurt in the marinade or as a side to reduce the overall fat content.
- Replace ghee or butter with a small amount of heart-healthy oils like olive oil or coconut oil for cooking.
- Reduce the amount of salt and use herbs and spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, or garlic for flavoring instead.
- Opt for homemade masala blends instead of store-bought ones to avoid added preservatives or excessive sodium.
- Choose low-sodium or homemade chicken broth instead of regular broth or bouillon cubes to control the sodium content.
- Serve with a side of fresh salad or raita made with cucumber, tomatoes, and yogurt to add more vitamins and minerals to the meal.
- Lastly, control portion sizes to ensure a balanced and moderate calorie intake.
Shortcuts
1. Use ground chicken instead of whole chicken pieces to save time on cutting and cooking.
2. Opt for pre-made garam masala or curry powder instead of individually measuring and grinding spices.
3. Substitute fresh ginger and garlic with pre-made ginger-garlic paste.
4. Use frozen mixed vegetables instead of chopping and cooking fresh vegetables separately.
5. Cook the chicken keema in a pressure cooker for faster cooking time.
6. Replace expensive ingredients like cashews with more affordable alternatives like peanuts or almonds.
7. Use vegetable oil instead of ghee for a cheaper cooking fat option.
8. Prepare a larger batch of chicken keema and freeze individual portions for future use.
9. Skip garnishes like fresh coriander if not essential to save time and money.
10. Consider using canned tomatoes or tomato puree instead of fresh tomatoes for convenience and cost-effectiveness.