Name: Kolkata Cabin Style Chicken Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 150 g Chicken, bone-in, large pieces like drumsticks or thighs; ½ Potato, peeled and cut into halves; ½ Carrot, peeled and cut into large chunks; ½ cup Raw Papaya, peeled and cut into large chunks; ½ Onion, cut into quarters and petals separated; 1 tbsp Butter, for a rich glaze; ½ tsp Black Peppercorns, whole; 2 Cloves, whole; ½ inch Cinnamon Sticks, stick; 2½ cup Water, for the clear broth; ¾ tsp Salt, to taste

55 mintotal

Prep 15 min · Cook 40 min

Serves: 2
Difficulty: Easy
Spice: Mild

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Method

Heat the butter in a deep pressure cooker or heavy pot. Add the whole spices: cinnamon stick, cloves, and whole black peppercorns. Let them sizzle for 10 seconds.
10 sec
Add the quartered onions and sauté lightly for 2 minutes until they just turn translucent. Do not let them brown.
2 min
Add the chicken pieces and sear them in the butter for 5 minutes until the exterior turns pale white.
5 min
Toss in the large chunks of potato, carrot, and raw papaya. Sauté for another 2 minutes, coating everything in the spiced butter.
2 min
Pour in the measured water and add salt. Close the lid of the pressure cooker.
Cook on medium heat for 2-3 whistles. Let the pressure release naturally so the broth remains clear and doesn't get cloudy.
Open the lid, check for seasoning, and serve piping hot directly into wide bowls.

How to tell it's done

A remarkably clear, light, buttery broth floating with large, melt-in-the-mouth chunks of root vegetables and tender chicken.

Getting it right

Tip

The inclusion of Raw Papaya is an authentic Kolkata touch; it not only acts as a meat tenderizer but also absorbs the buttery broth beautifully.

What to serve it with

Serve with thick slices of buttered white bread or toasted Pav to mop up the fragrant clear broth.

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Ingredients