Chicken lollipop Masala: Bringing India’s Flavor to Your Plate
⏳ Reading Time: 4 minutes
The Indian food scene is a delightful collection of flavors, textures, and aromas that fascinate the taste buds. One such dish that has gained great popularity not only in India but also across the globe is Chicken Lollipop Masala.
Chicken Lollipop Masala is an add-on on the popular chicken lollipop appetizer, which consists of marinated, crispy chicken wings shaped like lollipops. What sets Chicken Lollipop Masala apart is the rich and aromatic masala sauce/gravy that covers the crispy chicken, turning it into a comforting and indulgent dish. This dish is a fusion of Indo-Chinese and North Indian culinary traditions, making it a favorite across India and beyond.
Creating the best Chicken Lollipop masala is an art that requires attention to detail and patience. The key to making these crispy, juicy delights is in the preparation of the chicken and the marination process.
Here’s the breakdown of what you will require for the process:
- Chicken Lollipop: 1 kg
- Egg: 1
- Ginger & Garlic Paste: 1.5 TBSP
- Green Chilli: 1 TBSP (finely chopped or paste)
- Shahi Riwayat Masala: 1 packet
- Salt: to taste
- Oil: for frying
- Tomatoes: 2 (chopped)
- Onion: 1 large (finely chopped)
- Butter: 1 TBSP
- Fresh Cream: 2 TBSP
- Honey: 1 TBSP (for a hint of sweetness)
- Water: as needed for simmering
Once you have all the ingredients, follow the following steps to get the best chicken lollipop masala for your dine.
Recipe:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken Lollipops
Start by marinating the chicken lollipops. In a bowl, combine the chicken with ginger-garlic paste and salt. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse the flavors deep into the meat. This step is crucial for ensuring your lollipops are packed with flavor and are tender once cooked.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken lollipops and stir-fry them for about 5 minutes. The goal is to get a crispy golden exterior while the chicken remains juicy inside. After frying, set the chicken lollipops aside to prepare the masala gravy.
Step 3: Prepare the Gravy Base
In the same pan, add chopped tomatoes, onions, and a bit of water. Sprinkle in half of the Shahi Riwayat Masala to infuse the flavors. Allow the mixture to simmer until the tomatoes soften and the spices meld together. Once softened, grind this mixture into a smooth paste, then strain it to achieve a silky texture that will form the base of your gravy.
Step 4: Create the Rich Gravy
Now, heat oil and butter in the pan. Add the remaining Shahi Riwayat Masala dissolved in a bit of water to the pan and stir well. Add the smooth, strained paste from the previous step and cook the mixture on low heat for 15-20 minutes. This simmering step will allow the oil to separate from the masala, and the tomato flavor will deepen, enhancing the overall richness of the gravy.
Step 5: Add Cream and Honey
To add balance and a creamy touch, introduce fresh cream and honey to the gravy. Stir and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes. The cream will make the gravy rich and smooth, while the honey will introduce a subtle sweetness that complements the spicy notes of the dish.
Step 6: Coat the Chicken Lollipops in Gravy
Once the gravy has reached the perfect consistency, reintroduce the fried chicken lollipops to the pan. Coat each lollipop with the rich, flavorful masala sauce. Let them simmer together for a few minutes to absorb all the wonderful flavors. Ensure each piece is well-covered in the gravy.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken lollipops are beautifully coated in the masala, serve the dish hot. Pair it with naan, rice, or even enjoy it on its own as an appetizer. The crispy, flavorful lollipops drenched in the creamy, spicy gravy will make your taste buds explode with joy.
Conclusion:
Chicken Lollipop Masala is an indulgent and flavorful dish that showcases the best of Indian spices and cooking techniques. The crispy, golden chicken lollipops, combined with a rich, aromatic masala gravy, create a truly satisfying meal. With the addition of Shahi Riwayat Masala, fresh cream, and honey, this dish strikes a perfect balance between spicy, creamy, and sweet. The savory chicken, coated in a velvety, flavorful gravy, offers a delightful combination of textures that are sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or enjoying a comforting meal at home, the best Chicken Lollipop Masala is the perfect choice. Try it with naan, rice, or on its own for a delicious treat that will leave you craving more!