Chicken 65

Severe snow storm warning from weather forecast department on a weekend is depressing specially when someone doesn't get to go outside other than a week end. Also sever snow might lead to power cut for indefinite period. Still I can remember powerless 5 freezing days of snow in Massachusetts. We were really helpless when our oven did not work because of no power at home, restaurants were closed for power failure. Although offices were closed due to lack of power but who can enjoy such forceful vacation without food and warmth (heater off due to power failure) at home. Everyday we were having candle light breakfast to dinner with bread, butter and some fruits. Finally, last two days one of our friends gave us shelter in their home.They were lucky to have power at their home as the electric wire in that place is not over head but underground. We had a gala time with another friends family staying there, too. We had a feast there with khichuri (hotchpotch), omelet, beguni, or dimer jhol ar bhat (egg curry and rice) and full masti with lots of adda. This snow-storm warning made me remember those days.

Mid -Central America and southern part received untimely snow attack yesterday. One of my friend from that area has shared her thought in facebook.  Since they don't get much snow in that area this snow storm has made them happy and she is rejoicing it with good home made food. Although she is on a strict diet, she is going to skip it for celebrating the white fluffy fortune. That's the spirit. Way to go girl!!!
Now to get our life rolling we should make some good food. On a rainy day like this let us spice our evening up little with our favorite snack or starter item Chicken 65. Most of us always have it in a restaurant here served  in a lunch buffet or order as a starter item in the dinner plate. Although we have it often, in a stormy day like this we might not be able to drive to a restaurant. So it is better that we make it at home and add some smile to your face or members of your family. Although I am posting here the recipe of chicken 65 here, it can definitely be made with paneer or cauliflower. Paneer 65 or gobi 65 is equally appreciated item. The recipe is same except the main ingredient is substituted with vegan item from non-vegan.

 

Ingredients:

1. Boneless Chicken Thigh pieces: 4 lbs
2. Ginger chopped: 2 tablespoon
3: Garlic chopped: 2 tablespoon
4. Ginger paste: 1.5 tablespoon
5. Garlic paste: 1.5 tablespoon
6. Curry leaves: 1 spring
7. Salt: as per taste
8. Corn starch: 3 tablespoon
9. Red food color: 1 teaspoon
10. Chilli-Garlic paste: 1 tablespoon
11. Cumin seeds: 1.5 teaspoon
12. Green chillies: 12-14 finely chopped
13. Cumin powder: 1.5 teaspoon
14. Corriander powder: 1.5 teaspoon
15. Red chilli powder: 1.5 teaspoon
16. White Oil for deep frying
17. Cilantro/coriander leaves and spring onion: 4 tablespoon for garnish (optional)
18. Eggs: 2

 

Steps:

1. Cut the chicken pieces to small bite size pieces. Take the fat off the meat if it exists.

2. Make a fresh paste of ginger and garlic. I have grated them to make the paste.

3. Now marinate the chicken pieces with ginger -garlic paste, salt,  2 eggs and corn starch for 15-20 minutes.  Before you marinate the chicken pieces make sure they are not wet. If you find moisture in the chicken please pat them dry with a paper towel, otherwise the marinate would not stick to the chicken pieces.

4. Heat oil in a deep pan and deep fry chicken pieces in small batches until they turn golden brown.This would take little time and it needs your patience. You can give yourself an energy boost-up by putting some of the fried pieces to your mouth. That can make you stand for longer and not letting you loose the hope.

5.After you have fried all the chicken pieces take a heavy bottom pan. Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in it.

6. In the oil add cumin seeds, finely chopped green chillies, chopped ginger and garlic. Fry them well untill they turn golden. Make sure you are frying it in medium heat, otherwise, you might burn the spice.

7. Now add cumin powder, coriander powder followed by red chilli powder and chilli garlic paste and red food color. Mix them with the ginger and garlic in the pan.

8.Add chicken pieces now and coat them well with the spices in the pan. Cover the pan to let the chicken pieces sizzle a bit. Give them a good stir.

9. If you find it is too dry and all the chicken pieces is not getting coated with the spice mixture evenly, sprinkle a few drops of water, stir, and cover.

10. Switch the heat off. Garnish with chopped cilantro and spring onion. Your chicken 65 is ready to serve.

Enjoy!!!!!