“I can make it trust me” I argued, when the husband raised suspicions over my culinary skills with north Indian food. His suspicion, in fact, had more to do with the level of effort expected of me, knowing I can beat Calvin and Hobbes at laziness (and I say that proudly). Anyhow, sloth notwithstanding, I knew what I was doing when I said that. Moreover it was a weekday, so yes, jugaad it had to be. Also, authenticity noone would bother with at my place as long as the result was close to the real deal. So, with immense performance pressure, I tackled it as per my plan thus –

Ingredients:

  • Chicken – 6-8 pieces, medium cut
  • Onion – 1 large or 2 medium, finely chopped
  • Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tbsp
  • Tomato – 1 large, chopped
  • Garam masala – 2 tsp, whole spices or ground
  • Chilly powder/ green chillies – as per taste
  • Cream – 2-3 tbsp (I used regular Amul)
  • Oil – 2 tbsp (I used rice bran oil)
  • salt
  • Sugar (as per taste)
  • Water- 1.5 cups

For garnish:

  • Large Knob of Butter
  • Chopped coriander leaves (or kasuri methi)

Method:

  • Heat oil in a pan.
  • Add the whole spices and onions. Fry the onions till they are light brown.
  • Add ginger-garlic paste, fry for a minute.
  • Add chopped tomato and seasonings. Fry till tomatoes are mushy.
  • Add chicken pieces and fry for about 5-7 minutes. (Add some more oil if required)
  • Add enough water to make a thick gravy. Simmer for about 12 mins or till chicken is cooked.
  • Open the lid, stir in the cream, and switch off the heat.
  • Add in the dollop of butter, cover and let it melt.
  • Garnish with coriander leaves or kasuri methi just before serving.

I served these with methi laccha paratha. Plate was licked clean.

As for the lazy dessert idea, I just layered some fruits in two bowls, topped mine with cream, condensed milk, sprinkled some brown sugar and cashewnuts. For his bowl, I sprinkled some chaat masala and lime juice.
That’s about it. Perfect for midnight sweet cravings of the one-eyed half-sleepy.