Chore Kalai Khar | Chicken with Black Lentils

Black lentils khar is a mandatory serving for lunch in North East India and commonly known as kalai, mati mah, urad , biuli, etc. depending on the tribe.

This recipe is unique and authentic style of having black lentils with chicken particularly during autumn and winter. The recipe is simple, humble and an undoubtedly comfort food that goes well with piping hot steamed rice. The gravy creamy and thickens as it gets cold but tastes better.

Ingredients:

·        Chicken 500grams

·        Salt as per taste

·        Ginger 2inches crushed

·        Khar (3tsp) or cooking soda (2tsp)

·        Black Lentils 300grams

·        Green Chilies 8 to 10 slit

Preparation

1.      First of all soak the black lentils for 30mins to 2hours then rinse it thoroughly.

2.      Now take a pressure cooker, add 2 cups of water, black lentils and crushed ginger. Pressure cook it for 8 to 10 whistles and keep the steam release on its own.

3.      Now take a pan, add your chicken pieces, salt, khar and slit green chillies. Stir, cover and cook it on a medium flame for 20 minutes occasionally stirring in between.

4.      Once the water from the dish is almost dry, transfer your boiled black lentils from the pressure cooker to the pan. Stir it well, cover and cook it for 20 to 40 minutes occasionally stir in between so that the lentils do not get stuck at the bottom of your pan.

Check out the video of this recipe