Chicken Kaleji Masala And Chicken Kaleji Fry Recipes To Leave You Impressed With Their Flavours

Chicken kaleji, a dish that packs in a punch of flavour and is also very beneficial to health, is an underrated delicacy. Chicken kaleji is the liver, making this cut meat extra soft and perfect for gravies. Read on for recipes to try for a delicious chicken kaleji masala and chicken kaleji fry.

Published On Feb 28, 2024 | Updated On Mar 07, 2024

Image

Chicken kaleji is the liver part of the chicken. Succulent, soft meat, chicken kaleji is considered a delicacy. Not only is it softer than other cuts of meat, but chicken kaleji is said to be very beneficial to health. Whether you roast, stir-fry, broil, or fry it, the meat retains its juiciness, making it a delight to eat. Chicken kaleji is also rich in nutrition, so if you want to make healthier food choices, this is one dish you must try. The most popular dishes people make with chicken kaleji are a thick, aromatic curry-based dish known as ‘chicken kaleji masala’ and a drier version known as chicken kaleji fry. Chicken kaleji comes from Punjab and has since been adapted all across the country. Every different area further adds their local touches and flavours to the chicken kaleji recipe, making it a true representation of the diversity of Indian culture and rich cuisine. Chicken kaleji recipes are some of the best chicken-based recipes, whether they be the spicy Hyderabadi version, the royal Lucknowi version with a subtler taste or even the original version famous in the North Indian parts. To help you taste this delicacy from the comforts of your home, read on to learn more about these easy-to-follow chicken kaleji recipes.

Image

Image

Chicken kaleji masala, a curry-based dish popular in Punjab and nearby areas is a concoction of chicken kaleji pieces and the most intricately balanced curry paste. For beginners, cooking chicken kaleji recipes might prove to be somewhat difficult. With the right recipe that guides you through every step and paying attention to every detail, though, you can also master the art of cooking chicken kaleji. The most important part of the chicken kaleji masala recipe is ensuring the curry is perfectly balanced and the spice mix does not clash with the flavours. There are many versions of chicken kaleji masala, Punjab has the original, Hyderabad has a spicier version and Lucknow has a version that is more balanced in spices and is slow-cooked over coals, giving it a unique smoky flavour. Choose what version you want to cook, pay attention to every step and you will be mastering chicken kaleji masala in no time.

Image

Following are the ingredients you will need to whip up chicken kaleji masala:

  1. Chicken kaleji (liver)
  2. Onions
  3. Tomatoes
  4. Olive oil
  5. Kashmiri chilli powder
  6. Bay leaves
  7. Garam masala
  8. Ground cumin
  9. Coriander powder
  10. Turmeric powder
  11. Salt
  12. Yoghurt 
  13. Garlic
  14. Bullet chillies (optional)
  15. Fresh coriander
  16. Dried fenugreek leaves
  17. Ginger
Image

Follow this chicken kaleji masala recipe to master the dish effortlessly:

  • Cleaning the chicken kaleji
    The most important part of cooking with chicken kaleji is to clean it properly. Because the liver has a distinct smell and taste, cleaning it with fresh water will help to remove the smell.
  • Making the masala 
    In a pan, add the cooking oil and put in the sliced onions, crushed garlic and ginger and sauté. When the onions start browning on the edges, add the tomatoes and spice mix. Stir well and let it cook for a few minutes.
  • Adding in the chicken kaleji
    When you have let the masala simmer for a while and you can see oil collecting on the edges, add the chicken kaleji pieces. Give it a good mix to help the flavour blend better. Also, add in a couple of teaspoons of yoghurt. It will help cut any lingering unpleasant smell and give a creamy flavour to the chicken kaleji masala.
  • Garnishing touches 
    Chicken kaleji takes only a short while to cook. Once it gets done, take off the heat and sprinkle fresh coriander leaves on top. You can also add in sliced green chillies. Serve hot and enjoy.
Image

A popular street food, chicken kaleji fry is another quite popular recipe. Chicken kaleji fry is a relatively easy recipe to make. If you want to try this delicacy in a way that is not just another curry, then this chicken kaleji fry recipe is perfect. A dry, spice-marinated recipe, you will not be able to stop eating this dish.

These are the ingredients you will need to make chicken kaleji fry:

  1. Chicken kaleji
  2. Ginger garlic paste
  3. Salt
  4. Red chilli powder
  5. Lemon juice
  6. Turmeric powder
  7. Garam masala
  8. Coriander powder
  9. Cumin
  10. Onions
  11. Tomatoes
Image

Follow this easy chicken kaleji fry recipe for a delicious treat:

  • Cleaning the chicken kaleji
    Clean the meat under running water thoroughly until there is no lingering smell or blood. It will make your recipe even more delicious without any funky smell.
  • Marinating the meat
    In a bowl, add the ginger garlic paste, salt, spice mix and lemon juice with the chicken kaleji. Marinate properly in the paste and keep aside for the meat to absorb the margination and the flavours.
  • Cooking the chicken kaleji fry
    Take a pan and add in the onions and tomatoes to make a paste. Add in the marinated chicken kaleji pieces and let cook. Add a dash of water to prevent the meat from sticking to the pan.
  • Finishing up the dish 
    Take off the heat after it has cooked and serve fresh with fresh onion slices and lemon wedges as garnish.

FAQs

Dishes like chicken kaleji bhurji, kaleji kebabs and chicken kaleji curry, a tomato-based gravy dish served commonly with rice, are other popular dishes you can make with this cut of meat.

Chicken kaleji is known to be rich in nutrients like vitamins A, and C and several forms of vitamin B, minerals such as selenium, iron, potassium, protein and other nutrients. This makes this meat much more beneficial and healthier for people than other chicken meat cuts.


Photo: Shutterstock