Chicken Bharta

A dish that has its origins in Punjab but a home in Kolkata, the chicken bharta is one of the most popular midday lunch meals. Primarily a main course that can be had with rice or roti, the chicken bharta recipe consists of boneless chunks of chicken and boiled eggs swirling around in a delicious concoction. A true Kolkata style chicken bharta comes packed with chicken breast pieces, some of the ... most popular Indian spices like Kasuri methi, Punjabi garam masala, tandoori masala and some more spice to truly whip up a delicious storm in your tastebuds. The dish has its origins in Punjab and was brought to the City of Joy by the migrating Sikh community. The bharta - or the leftover chicken slices were used to make a separate dish so as to not waste them. The golden yellow colour of the gravy appealed to the Bengalis, who loved using turmeric and mustard in their cooking. The chicken bharta recipe became a cult classic, with Bengali unofficially adopting the dish, and adding their own twist with the eggs, which is a primarily Bangladeshi addition. The creaminess adds a punch to the flavour and it can work well as a main dish or even as a side accompaniment with kulcha and naan. The meal works as a popular lunch option and one serving is enough to last an entire day. You can give it to the kids as a packed lunch or even enjoy it as a diet-conscious meal by itself. Generally, the bone in the thighs is removed before cooking.