The region of great variety, Maharashtra is known the world over for culinary delights quite unlike any other. The beauty of the state and its people is that they thoroughly enjoy being different and allow their passion for life come alive in great aromatic dishes. The fried chicken from Maharashtra is a hit within the picnic basket and even as a dry meal while on the move. The marinade and ingredients are such that they are easily available in any kitchen in the state, whether that of a farmer or a businessman. This makes the dish a feast for every day.
Ingredients:
Half a kilogram of chicken (preferably boneless)
Juice of one lemon
1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
1 teaspoon green chili paste
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon mixed spice powder or hot spice mix
Half teaspoon of turmeric powder
A cooking medium or oil for deep frying
Salt and pepper according to your personal preference
Popular Accompaniments:
You can eat the fried chicken made Maharashtra style plain or with bread or chapattis. It goes very well with a lentil gravy and rice too. You could make the dish more nutritious by serving it to the kids along with boiled vegetables and mashed potatoes. Between slices of bread you have a great sandwich and by itself a gourmet’s feast! Chicken made this way is not only nutritious, but also very convenient to carry along on journeys and especially at the family’s movie time! Go get chicken fried like never before!
Preparation:
Slit each piece of chicken (disjointed or boneless).
Apply the salt and pepper as a marinade evenly on all the pieces.
After about half an hour rub in the ginger and garlic paste, as well as green chili paste and all the remaining spice powders (red chili, coriander, turmeric, mixed spice powder) and some more salt.
Allow this marinade to take effect on the meat for about 2 hours.
Main Cooking:
In a deep frying pan, pour in the oil or any other preferred cooking medium for deep fries.
Fry the chicken pieces till it is evenly coked on all sides, namely, a rich golden brown texture is obtained.
Remove the pieces and drain out the excessive oil by patting each piece on a paper towel.
Presentation:
Squeeze lemon juice and serve the fried chicken nice and hot, garnished with onion rings and a green salad and of course the popular Maharashtra green chutney.
