Berbere Chicken Masala: A Flavorful Ethiopian Indian Fusion Dish

Welcome to AbyssiniaEats, your ultimate destination for authentic Ethiopian culinary experiences. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce a unique recipe that beautifully blends the rich flavors of Ethiopian and Indian cuisines: Berbere Chicken Masala. This dish features succulent chicken marinated in a spicy berbere mix, combined with an aromatic and creamy sauce inspired by Indian cooking. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, this fusion dish is a culinary delight that will surely impress your guests!

What is Berbere Chicken Masala?

Berbere Chicken Masala is a delicious fusion dish that showcases the best of both Ethiopian and Indian flavors. Berbere is a traditional Ethiopian spice blend made with chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and various spices, creating a robust flavor profile. When combined with Indian cooking techniques and spices, such as garam masala and creamy sauces, this Berbere Chicken Masala dish offers a unique culinary experience that tantalizes the taste buds.

Key Ingredients for Berbere Chicken Masala

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 3 Chicken Breasts, Diced
• 1 Tablespoon Garlic, Minced
• 1 Tablespoon Ginger, Minced
• 1 Tablespoon Berbere Spice Mix
• ½ Teaspoon Salt
• 1 Cup Yogurt

For the Sauce:

• 1 Onion, Finely Chopped
• 1-2 Chopped Green Chilies
• ⅓ Cup Olive Oil
• 1 Tablespoon Garlic, Minced
• 1 Teaspoon Ginger, Minced
• 1 Teaspoon Garam Masala
• ½ Teaspoon Cumin Powder
• 1 Teaspoon Coriander Powder
• ¼ Teaspoon Turmeric
• ½ Teaspoon Salt
• 1 Teaspoon Paprika
• 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
• 1 Cup Tomato Purée
• 1 Cup Heavy Cream
• 1 Cup Fresh Diced Tomatoes
• Fresh Cilantro, Chopped

To Serve:

• White Rice
• Pita Bread

Step-by-Step Instructions for Berbere Chicken Masala

Marinating the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, mix the diced chicken with garlic, ginger, berbere spice, salt, and yogurt. Ensure the chicken is fully coated in the marinade.
2. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to tenderize.

Grilling the Chicken:

3. Preheat your grill and brush it with butter to prevent sticking.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and slightly charred.

Preparing the Sauce:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.

5. Stir in the green chilies, garlic, and ginger, cooking for another couple of minutes until fragrant.
6. Add the spices: garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, and paprika. Stir well to combine and cook for another minute.
7. Mix in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and tomato purée, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
8. Lower the heat and gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Bringing It All Together:

Add the grilled chicken to the sauce, stirring gently to coat it well. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving:

Serve the Berbere Chicken Masala hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Pair it with fluffy white rice and warm pita bread for a delightful meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Combination: Experience the perfect marriage of Ethiopian and Indian spices.
• Comforting and Satisfying: This dish is rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for any occasion.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Conclusion

This Berbere Chicken Masala is a celebration of the rich culinary traditions of both Ethiopia and India, offering a unique taste experience that will delight your palate. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy.

Don’t forget to share your culinary creations with us at AbyssiniaEats! We’d love to hear how your Berbere Chicken Masala turned out. Happy cooking!