Kashmiri Style Kokur Yakhni | Chicken Yakhni Recipe

Kashmiri cuisine is known for its rich and aromatic flavors and one dish that stands out is Chicken or Kokur Yakhni. This soupy chicken delicacy is deeply rooted in Kashmiri culture and has a significant place in the elaborated Wazwan, a traditional Kashmiri banquet known for its extensive array of dishes, especially meat preparations. Wazwan is a multi-course meal in Kashmiri cuisine, is considered an art and pride of Kashmiri culture. In Kashmiri language “Waz” means ‘cook’ or ‘cooking’ and “Wan” means ‘shop’. Wazas are thought to be the descendants of great migrant chefs from Samarkand and elsewhere in Central Asia. Wazas prepare feasts that includes 36 dishes, with around fifteen to thirty dishes dedicated to various meat preparations, cooked overnight under the supervision of a master chef called a “Wouste Waze”. Wazwan is served on the “Trami”, a traditional platter for “Wazwan”, which is covered with “Sarposh” a copper cover. Wazwan is generally portioned for four people and sharing the platter is considered respectful. Wazwan is most often eaten with rice, no bread.



The term “Yakhni” find its origins in Medieval Persia, where a meat stew was prepared using a covered clay pot cooking style. Over time this method of cooking, known as “Yakhni”, eventually found its way into different cuisines, evolving into various forms. Yakhni is synonymous with a flavourful broth or stock, and it has become an integral part of the region’s culinary heritage. Kashmiri cuisine boasts various Yakhni dishes, each with its unique twist. These include goat/lamb yakhni, nadru or kamal kakdi (lotus root) yakhni, mushroom yakhni and kokur yakhni. What sets these dishes apart is the absence of red chili powder and ground turmeric, replaced by a medley of whole and ground spices that creates a symphony of flavours.

Kokur Yakhni, with its tender chicken pieces immersed in a yogurt-based curry, flavored with fennel and dry mint, epitomizes the sophistication of kashmiri cuisine. Yogurt plays a pivotal role in the preparation of Yakhni. It adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor to the dish. Before cooking, its essential to use room temperature yogurt and whisk it well to ensure a smooth consistency. The addition of egg white further contributes in preventing curdling, resulting in a velvety and rich curry. Cooking the yogurt on high heat stirring continuously until the yogurt comes to a boil also helps t prevent the yogurt from curdling. One of the standout features of Kokur Yakhni is its captivating aroma. The slow cooking process, infusion of whole spices like bay leaves, cloves and cardamom and the richness of yogurt create a fragrance that is nothing short of enchanting. Use of Kashmiri Praan paste takes this dish to the next level. Kashmiri Praan is the wild onion or shallot are a fantastic alternative to regular onions. Praan has its own distinctive flavour and is widely used as a condiment in the preparation of soups, meats and salads. Praan is highly relished in Kashmiri kitchens and the world famous Wazwan is incomplete without the use of praan. Praan is mostly used as a paste and is entirely natural and devoid of any additions, chemicals or preservatives. Praan paste is made by frying the shallots and then making paste. But if Praan paste is unavailable, regular shallots or onions can be substitutes. Simply fry them and blend them into a paste for a delicious alternative.

Kashmiri Kokur Yakhni is not just a dish , its testament to the rich culinary tapestry of Kashmir. It is a dish reserved for special occasions, served to honor and delight special guests. Whether enjoyed as a soup or a side dish, the unforgettable taste of tender chicken, enveloped in a yogurt curry infused with fennel and dry mint, leaves an indelible mark on anyone fortunate enough to savor it. As winter approaches, the warmth and comfort of a steaming bowl of Kashmiri kokur Yakhni beckon, inviting all to partake in the flavors of a culture steeped in culinary excellence. Kashmiri Kokur Yakhni can be served with steamed rice or bread of your choice.



Ingredients:

  • 400 gm Chicken (curry cut with bone)

  • 6-8 tbsp Mustard oil

  • A pinch of Asafoetida

  • 1 no. Black Cardamom

  • 1 no. Bay leaf

  • 1 inch cinnamon

  • 2 nos. Green cardamoms

  • 6-7 nos. Black peppercorn

  • 2 nos. Cloves

  • 1 tsp Shah jeera/ Caraway seeds

  • 4 nos. Garlic clove (minced)

  • Salt to taste

  • 1 cup Water

  • 400 gm Yogurt (beaten & room temperature)

  • 1 Egg white

  • 1 tsp Dry Ginger powder (saunth)

  • 1 ½ tsp Fennel powder

  • 2 tbsp Praan / Fried Onion/shallot paste

  • 1 tbsp ghee or clarified butter

  • 1 tbsp Dried Mint



Preparation:

  • Step 1: Begin by heating mustard oil in a pot until it smokes on high flame, signaling its readiness for the culinary symphony to unfold. Once the mustard oil is smoked lower the heat and allow it to cool a bit.
  • Step 2: Then fry chickens for 4-5 minutes on medium heat until they achieve a golden hue on each side. Then turn of the heat & keep aside these fried chickens.
  • Step 3: Now add 2 tbsp of left over mustard oil in a pressure cooker, then add asafoetida, Shah jeera, black cardamom, bay leaf, cinnamon, green cardamom, black peppercorn, cloves & allow the spices to crackle.
  • Step 4: Then add fried chicken, crushed garlic cloves, salt and water. Stir properly & pressure cook for 1-2 whistles only.
  • Step 5: In the same wok whisk the room temperature beaten yogurt and then add egg white & mix well. Keep stirring the yogurt on high flame until it starts to boil. Stir continuously so that the yogurt doesn’t curdle. Also addition of egg white prevents the yogurt from curdling.
  • Step 6: Now add chicken along with broth and dry ginger powder, fennel powder, praan or fried onion paste and stir well, cover with lid and let cook for 7-8 minutes on low heat.
  • Step 7: After 7-8 minutes add ghee and dry mint and stir well.
  • Step 8: Then turn off the heat and let the gravy rest for 8-10 minutes.
  • Step 9: Serve chicken or kokur Yakhni with steamed rice or bread of your choice.

Tips:

  • Always use room temperature and well beaten yogurt as it prevents the yogurt from curdling while cooking.

  • While cooking the yogurt, stir it continuously until it starts to boil, it helps to prevent the yogurt from curdling.

     

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DEBJANI MONDAL

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Welcome to Kitchenstagram, the home of delicious recipes, culinary inspiration and cooking adventures. I’m Debjani and I’m thrilled to be your guide through the wonderful world of food. I’m a self-taught professional baker, home chef, recipe developer, author of Kitchenstagram and an aspiring YouTuber.

 My passion for food and cooking began at a very young age, when I would watch my mom and dad cook for me and my brother. My dad, in particular is a great cook whose culinary skills made a lasting impression on me. My dad would  cook up a storm on special occasions by cooking variety of dishes, from delicious biriyani to samosa, fish fry, rasgullas and kachoris (sweet & spicy deep fried pastry with filling of lentils, meat or fish…>>>>>

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