It is all about the ingredients

INTERVIEW WITH A CHEF. Yaspal Singh Bhandari, the executive chef of Aangan Restaurant at Nakumatt Oasis Mall, boast of 10 years of cooking Indian food. He let us in on his cooking secrets.

What advice do you have for the domestic cook in the home?
Hygiene is not an issue of debate. It sina qua non and a dirty cook in the home is a total liability. At the same time, the domestic cook should have a good idea about the likes and dislikes of the family. Do not impose your taste on them, though you are free to make suggestions. Be flexible and avoid confrontational situations. Remember, you work for them and they call the shots and they pay your salary.

What is your most popular items at Aangan Restaurant?
Chicken lollipops, tandoori chicken, goats ribs and chicken tikka masala.

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The chef’s recipe
Aangan butter chicken
Cook in butter, with aromatic spices, cream and almonds, this mild dish will be enjoyed by everyone.
Ingredients
Serves 4 -6
• 150 ml/2/3 cups plain yogurt
• 50g ½ cup ground almonds
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 crushed bay leaves
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground garam masala
• 4 green cardamom pods
• 1 teaspoon ginger pulp
• 1 teaspoon garlic pulp
• 4-6 pureed or grated tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 kg chicken, skinned, boned and cubed
• 75g or 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon or more cooking oil
• 2 to 3 medium sliced onions
• 2 tablespoons or more of chopped cilantro (coriander)
• 4 tablespoons cream
• Cilantro sprigs

Method
i) Put the yogurt, ground almonds and all the dry spices, ginger, garlic, tomatoes and salt into a mixing bowl and blend together thoroughly.
ii) Put the chicken into a large bowl and pour over the yogurt mixture and set aside.
iii) Melt together the butter and oil in a medium wok or deep round bottom frying pan and add the onions and fry about 3 minutes..
iv) Add the chicken mixture and stir fry for 7-10 minutes.
v) Stir in about half of the cilantro and mix well.
vi) Pour over the cream and stir in well. Bring to a boil and serve garnished with the remaining chopped cilantro and cilantro sprigs.