Create an Unforgettable Meal with the Classic Chicken Perloo

This delicious dish is sure to become a favorite of yours. Chicken Perloo is a traditional Afghan dish of succulent chicken pieces slowly cooked in a medley of tomato, onion, and garlic. But don’t let the simplicity of this recipe fool you, every carefully selected ingredients and preparation has a vital role in bringing forth the unique character and bursts of flavor that make this dish so memorable.

Ingredients

– 4 chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
– 2 large onions, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tomatoes, chopped
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon turmeric
– salt to taste

Method

Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep saucepan over medium heat. Then add the onions and garlic and cook until the onions are softened and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes.

Next add in the chicken chunks, stirring gently to coat them with the onion and garlic. Cook until the chicken turns golden brown in color, another 3 to 5 minutes.

Add in the tomatoes, turmeric and salt. Lower the heat to low and cook covered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Once the 30 minutes are up, remove the lid and continue to cook for about 5 more minutes, or until all of the liquid is evaporated and the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Serve your Chicken Perloo over a bed of fragrant Basmati rice, accompanied by a side of naan or flatbread and a bowl of yogurt and mint chutney.

This classic Chicken Perloo is the perfect meal to bring family and friends together. The plain and simple ingredients blend together to form a unique, familiar yet exotic flavor, perfect for any special occasion. Comforting, yet full of slight complexities, it is a powerful reminder of the incredible depth of Afghan cuisine. Try it or another related Afghan dish such as Quabail Palau or Mastawa to transport yourself to a faraway place with amazing food, culture and tradition.