This Desi Chicken Curry recipe is also known as Tapelu Chicken -an Indian gravy chicken traditionally cooked in villages

Slow-cooked chicken with bones are simmered in a tomato and onion gravy with everyday spices. This recipe is always served with an onion salad, roti , and rice for a complete meal.

indian chicken curry cooked in a tapelu plated on a white dish with cilantro - 1

Recommendation: make this family-friendly Indian gravy chicken recipe at your next sports gathering or picnic.

Tapelu Chicken just hits differently when made at large gatherings:). Serve the Indian chicken curry with simple basmati rice for a quick no-fuss meal.

  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Equipment Needed
  • Substitutions
  • Desi Chicken Variations
  • Serve it with…
  • Storage
  • FAQ
  • Top Tips
  • 📖 Recipe
  • More curry recipes…
  • 💬 Community

Ingredients

ingredients for desi chicken tapelu chicken on a counter tomatoes onions garlic ginger and raw chicken - 2

Gravy Desi Chicken Ingredients

  • 3-4 pounds of skinless chicken with bones cut into small pieces
  • beefsteak tomatoes
  • onions
  • garlic
  • ginger
  • turmeric powder
  • coriander powder
  • garam masala
  • tomato paste (optional)
  • water
  • salt
  • red chili powder

Tempered Oil Spices

  • peanut or corn oil
  • whole cumin seeds
  • star anise
  • whole black peppercorns
  • cinnamon stick
  • whole cloves
  • bay leaves
  • cardamom pods
  • whole dried red chilies

Instructions

Heat a pan with oil and add the dried spices. Cook for a quick few seconds and immediately add the chopped onions.

onions being cooked in a le creuset pot - 3

Cook the onions until they are translucent.

Add the tomatoes and cook for a few minutes then add the spices, tomato paste (optional), ginger, and garlic. Mix and cook until the gravy is very dry.

tomatoes and onions cooked in a le creuset pot - 4

Add the chicken and water. Now, close the lid and cook for about 5 minutes until it reaches a boil.

tapelu chicken in a pot with raw drumsticks in tomato onion gravy - 5

Gently, mix the chicken and then turn the heat to low. Cook for an additional 30 minutes mixing frequently.

gravy chicken being cooked in a large pot known as a tapelu - 6

Turn off the heat and let the chicken and pot cool down for 30 minutes. This step will help the oil settle to the top.

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Finally, garnish with cilantro and gently mix before enjoying with rice.

Equipment Needed

  • Tapelu- Large, heavy bottom, and wide pot with a lid
  • Spatula
  • Food Processer (optional)
  • Cutting Board and Knife
  • Chutney Machine or Microplane to grate

Substitutions

  • Beefsteak Tomato - can use vine ripened tomatoes.
  • Dry Spices in Tempered Oil - Use 1 teaspoon of garam masala instead of the whole spices.
  • Whole Chicken Cut Up -Substitute with 3-4 pounds of skinless drumsticks and thighs.
chicken drumsticks in a indian gravy sauce - 8

Desi Chicken Variations

  • More Gravy - Double the quantity of tomato and onion (Tip: adding extra water will not be a good solution since it just makes the gravy watery- best to avoid this )
  • Kid Friendly - remove the whole spices, red chili powder, and half the measurement for ginger, garlic, and garam masala
  • Spicy - add whole jalapeno peppers during the simmer process
  • Additional Vegetables - corn, potatoes, and whole garlic bulbs can be added for an even more personalized recipe .

Serve it with…

  1. tortillas or roti
  2. white rice
  3. onion salad
  4. bread
a round plate with chicken curry, rice, tortillas, and onion salad - 9

Storage

This desi chicken freezes well! Place it in freezer safe Ziploc bag or container, label it, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat simply defrost, place the contents in a pot, add just enough water to cover the bottom of the pot completely, cover with a lid, and heat on low heat until completely heated through. Key Tip: Do not mix too much

They do not have a sweet taste after being slowly roasted for any variation of an Indian chicken curry.

Red will give the desi chicken a beautiful end color.

I understand these can be a pain when eating, but they truly do add flavor that can’t be beaten in this traditional village recipe.

Boneless skinless thighs can be used instead but be sure to half the quantity since it is all meat and no bones.

A large stainless steel or aluminum pot that is great for cooking stew-like meals. This tapelu chicken gets its name from being cooked in a large pot.

Top Tips

  1. I do not recommend using only chicken breast in this recipe.
  2. A butcher shop such as Whole Foods will take the skin off of a whole chicken and cut into small pieces.
  3. One whole chicken is generally enough for 3-4 people when served with rice.

📖 Recipe

indian chicken curry cooked in a tapelu plated on a white dish with cilantro - 10

Desi Gravy Chicken - Tapelu Chicken

Equipment

  • ▢ Large, heavy bottom, and wide pot with a lid
  • ▢ spatula
  • ▢ Food Processer (optional)
  • ▢ Cutting Board and Knife
  • ▢ Chutney Machine or Microplane to grate

Ingredients1x2x3x

Gravy Desi Chicken Ingredients

  • ▢ 1 whole chicken, skin removed and cut into small pieces (use 3-4 pounds of drumsticks and thighs as an alternative)
  • ▢ 2 large beef steak tomatoes, food processed or chopped finely
  • ▢ 2 large red or yellow onion, food processed or chopped finely
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, grated
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
  • ▢ 3 tablespoon coriander powder
  • ▢ ½ teaspoon garam masala
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
  • ▢ 1 cup water
  • ▢ salt
  • ▢ red chili powder

Tempered Oil Spices

  • ▢ peanut or corn oil
  • ▢ 2 tablespoon cumin seeds, whole
  • ▢ 4 cloves, whole
  • ▢ 10-15 black peppercorns, whole
  • ▢ 1 cinnamon stick, small
  • ▢ 2 bay leaves, large
  • ▢ 1 star anise
  • ▢ 5 cardamom pods
  • ▢ dried red chilies, whole

Instructions

  • In a large wide bottom pot, heat a generous amount of oil.
  • Once the oil is warm, add the cumin seeds and the whole spices listed under “tempered oil”.
  • Allow them to cook for just a few seconds (be careful not to over cook the spices)
  • Immediately add the chopped onions and mix.
  • Cook on medium heat until the onions are translucent and soft.
  • Add the chopped tomatoes.
  • Mix and cook for about 2 minutes.
  • Add the coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, ginger, garlic, salt tomato paste (optional) and garam masala.
  • Mix and cook until the gravy is completely dry and you begin to see the oil (about 5-10 minutes)
  • Add the chicken to the pot along with the water and mix well.
  • Close the lid and let the chicken come to a boil for about 5 minutes.
  • Now, lower the heat, mix the chicken, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes on low heat - mixing frequently.
  • After 30 minutes, turn off the heat and let the pot + chicken cool down (without mixing) for about 30 minutes. This step is very important.
  • Open the lid and garnish with cilantro.
  • Gently mix the pot and enjoy!

Video

Notes

More curry recipes…

  • Paneer Butter Masala Recipe (Paneer Makhani)
  • Easy Indo Chinese Chicken Curry with Onions
  • One Pot Chicken Tikka Masala
  • Pav Bhaji Masala Recipe
indian chicken curry cooked in a tapelu plated on a white dish with cilantro - 11

Desi Gravy Chicken - Tapelu Chicken

Equipment

  • Large, heavy bottom, and wide pot with a lid
  • spatula
  • Food Processer (optional)
  • Cutting Board and Knife
  • Chutney Machine or Microplane to grate

Ingredients

Gravy Desi Chicken Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken, skin removed and cut into small pieces (use 3-4 pounds of drumsticks and thighs as an alternative)
  • 2 large beef steak tomatoes, food processed or chopped finely
  • 2 large red or yellow onion, food processed or chopped finely
  • 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, grated
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
  • 3 tablespoon coriander powder
  • ½ teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
  • 1 cup water
  • salt
  • red chili powder

Tempered Oil Spices

  • peanut or corn oil
  • 2 tablespoon cumin seeds, whole
  • 4 cloves, whole
  • 10-15 black peppercorns, whole
  • 1 cinnamon stick, small
  • 2 bay leaves, large
  • 1 star anise
  • 5 cardamom pods
  • dried red chilies, whole

Instructions

  • In a large wide bottom pot, heat a generous amount of oil.
  • Once the oil is warm, add the cumin seeds and the whole spices listed under “tempered oil”.
  • Allow them to cook for just a few seconds (be careful not to over cook the spices)
  • Immediately add the chopped onions and mix.
  • Cook on medium heat until the onions are translucent and soft.
  • Add the chopped tomatoes.
  • Mix and cook for about 2 minutes.
  • Add the coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, ginger, garlic, salt tomato paste (optional) and garam masala.
  • Mix and cook until the gravy is completely dry and you begin to see the oil (about 5-10 minutes)
  • Add the chicken to the pot along with the water and mix well.
  • Close the lid and let the chicken come to a boil for about 5 minutes.
  • Now, lower the heat, mix the chicken, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes on low heat - mixing frequently.
  • After 30 minutes, turn off the heat and let the pot + chicken cool down (without mixing) for about 30 minutes. This step is very important.
  • Open the lid and garnish with cilantro.
  • Gently mix the pot and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Recipe Courtesy of The Curry Mommy

Baked Feta Bread with Tomatoes makes the easy Mediterranean or Greek appetizer It’s the perfect cooked feta cheese side dish!

If you love Mediterranean-inspired appetizers, then you must try this warm garlic bread with feta cheese! It can be baked or grilled to perfection and pairs well with salad or pasta.

toasted french bread with oil feta cheese and cherry tomatoes parsley topped - 12

When two college girls create a Greek appetizer recipe you know it has to be packed with flavor and all the guilt, right? My friend and I ate this feta bread one too many times on Friday nights because it’s quick, delicious, and pairs well with wine!

  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Substitutions
  • Variations
  • Pair it with…
  • Storage
  • Top Tips
  • FAQ
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Community

Ingredients

ingredients for toasted baguette and mediterranean cheese - 13
  • french bread (or equivalent)
  • feta cheese (crumbled)
  • cherry tomatoes, sliced into small rounds
  • crushed chili pepper flakes
  • garlic butter (optional)
  • olive oil, I love Burroughs Family Farms
  • parsley, dried or fresh

Instructions

Slice the french bread into thin slices and lay them out on an oven-safe tray with foil or parchment paper (optional but helps with clean up). Spread garlic butter on each bread or drizzle/brush with extra virgin olive oil.

2 slices of french bread with olive oil - 14

Crumble feta cheese on top of the fresh sliced bread.

three slices with cheese - 15

Arrange the sliced cherry tomatoes on top of the crumbled feta cheese then sprinkle crushed spicy chili flakes and parsley on top. Lay the slices of bread on top of foil or parchment paper.

three breads with greek cheese and tomatoes - 16

Bake at 375 for about 7-10 minutes or until the desired crisp has been reached.

cheese on bread with tomatoes and parsley - 17

Enjoy warm.

toasted french bread with mediterranean cheese and tomatoes - 18

Substitutions

  1. Feta - Boursin Cheese will work as an alternative
  2. Cherry Tomatoes - Use sliced roma tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes as an alternative.
  3. French Bread - Baguette works just as well sliced into thin diagnols

Variations

  • Whipped Feta - Feel free to whip the feta cheese in a chutney machine or food processor and then slather it on top of the bread before topping it with tomatoes.
  • Grill - Place the bread with the toppings on top of the grill and cook until crispy.
  • Cook the feta - When the feta cheese warms in the oven it gets a melted soft texture giving the cooked feta a delicious combo
  • Garlic Bread - purchase readymade garlic bread and add feta cheese, tomatoes, and spices on top.

Pair it with…

  1. A large romaine salad with buttermilk ranch dressing
  2. Basil Pasta Salad
  3. Grilled Masala Wings

Storage

The feta bread can be premade, wrapped in saran wrap, and then refrigerated for 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

Top Tips

  1. Slice tomatoes very small so when you take a bite the entire slice of tomato doesn’t come off.
  2. Garlic butter tastes great on the feta bread, then drizzle olive oil on top before eating.
  3. Take the easy way out and buy Texas Toast from the freezer section, add the toppings, and bake to perfection.

It will take about 10 minutes to grill it on indirect heat.

They are small and slice into beautiful rounds that are easy to eat on a feta bread.

It can meet certain dietary restrictions so for that reason it can be healthy.

Italian Inspired Recipes

  • The Best Spaghetti and Meatball Marinara Recipe
  • Ragu Spaghetti Meat Sauce
  • How to Make Bread Dipping Oil with Fresh Herbs
  • Easy Italian Quesadillas With Mushrooms and Jalapenos

📖 Recipe

toasted french bread with oil feta cheese and cherry tomatoes parsley topped - 19

Baked Feta Bread with Tomatoes

Equipment

  • ▢ oven or grill
  • ▢ Cutting Board and Knife
  • ▢ oven mit
  • ▢ serving platter
  • ▢ oven tray with foil or parchment paper for easy cleaning

Ingredients1x2x3x

  • ▢ 1 loaf french bread (or equivalent)
  • ▢ 8 oz feta cheese (crumbled)
  • ▢ 1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced into small rounds
  • ▢ crushed chili pepper flakes
  • ▢ garlic butter (optional)
  • ▢ extra virgin olive oil
  • ▢ parsley, dried or fresh

Instructions

  • Slice the french bread into thin slices and lay them out on an oven safe tray.
  • Spread garlic butter on each bread or drizzle/brush with olive oil.
  • Take feta cheese and place it on top of the bread.
  • Top the feta cheese with sliced tomatoes
  • Sprinkle crushed chili flakes and parsley on top.
  • Bake at 375 for about 7 minutes.
  • Enjoy warm.