Black Pepper Chicken - Victor

Recipe by Victor Rodrigues 













Ingredients:
​1 kg boneless/skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 medium onions (thinly sliced)
1 1/2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
3-4 green chilies (slit)
​1 tbsp black peppercorns (freshly crushed; use half for cooking, half for finishing)
​1 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
​¾ tsp turmeric powder
​1.5 tsp coriander powder
​1 tsp garam masala
​3 tbsp oil or ghee
¾ cup water or chicken stock
​handful of fresh curry leaves
fresh coriander leaves
1 lemon (juice)

Steps:
  1. In a pressure cooker or instant pot, heat oil or ghee. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn a deep golden brown.
  2. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté for about 60 seconds until the raw smell disappears.
  3. Add the chicken pieces. Stir in the turmeric, coriander powder, and 1/2 tbsp of the crushed black pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes, ensuring the chicken is coated and lightly browned.
  4. Pour in ¾ cup water or stock. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pot. Pressure cook on high for 7 minutes.
  5. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. This ensures the chicken remains juicy. Manually release any remaining steam afterward.
  6. Open the lid, add the remaining ½ tbsp of crushed black pepper, garam masala, and the curry leaves. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your liking.
  7. Turn off the heat. Stir in the fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon juice.
  8. ENJOY!