Chicken Dopiaza

Initial Preparation:

1. Clean and wash the chicken pieces. Drain the water completely.
2. In a bowl, add washed chicken pieces, lemon juice and half teaspoon of salt; Combine well and set aside for 20 minutes.
3. Make a fine paste of one tomato and keep it aside. Finely chop the other tomato and set aside.

Masala Preparation:

1. Heat 2 tablespoon of oil in a pan, add chopped onion, ginger, garlic and saute till the onion turns light brown.
2. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely. In a blender, add this mixture along with yogurt and blend to a fine paste and set aside.

Curry Preparation:

1. Heat 2 tablespoon of oil in a heavy bottomed pan, add cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, peppercorns and fry for 15-20 seconds.
2. Then add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, chilli powder and fry till the raw smell disappears. Now add in the prepared masala and saute for 2-3 minutes.
3. Now add the tomato paste into it and saute for 2-3 minutes. Then add in the marinated chicken pieces and combine well.
4. Add in the warm water and sugar. Check for salt. Mix well and cook for 20 minutes or till the chicken is cooked well.
5. Add in the chopped coriander, chopped tomato and combine well.
6. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan, add the halved shallots and saute till light brown in color.
7. Add garam masala and fry for 5-10 seconds. Add this into the curry and cook for 2-3 minutes on low heat.
8. Remove from flame. Serve hot.