Quick Chicken gravy

Let me start with a very simple weeknite gravy recipe. My basic idea of weeknite cooking is tat it shudnt take more time.

    










Ingredients:

For the paste(Step 1) :
onion                                  1 chopped
tomato                               1 chopped
garlic                                  5 cloves finely chopped
ginger                                 1.5 inch finely chopped
cinnamon (Indian dark) 1 inch
fennel seeds                      1.5 tsp
pepper                               1/4  tsp
cumin seeds                     1.5-2 tsp 
Red chilli                          1-2
chilli powder                    1tsp
coriander powder           2tsp
(alternatively, u can use homemade kulambu powder)

 For Step 2 :
Chicken                 1/4 kg - 1/2 kg
Bayleaf                   1
fennel seeds          2 tsp
pepper                   4-5
fenugreek seeds  1/4 tsp
cumin seeds        1/2 tsp

  
Method:

Step1. Add 3tsp oil to the cooking pan and to this add the pepper, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, cinnamon, ginger, garlic, red chilli, onion, tomato and chilli, coriander powder and little salt and saute it till oil separates.
Now cool the mixture and make a coarse paste.
Step2. In another pan, add 2tsp oil, add the ingredients mentioned for step 2 : bayleaf, fennel seeds, fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds, pepper.
Step3: To this add the paste and add the chicken pieces and cover with lid. Let the chicken ooze out water.Once the water starts decreasing, add a cup of water and salt to taste and pressure cook it for 2 whistles.
Step 4 : Once the pressure is gone, check for salt. If additional spiciness is required,, add coarsely powdered pepper.
Step 5 : Garnish with coriander leaves, let it simmer for 5 more mins covered.
Adding a pinch of mint leaves and letting it boil for few mins before garnishing provides a twist in taste. U can try tat also. :)

I repeat the same recipe with reducing the pepper for lima beans. U can try this recipe with mushroom, carrot, peas also. Goes good with both chapatis and rice.
Tip : Use chicken with bone for enhanced taste or add chicken broth. 
I buy a pack containing 5 chicken legs, trim off the nail portion and remove the skin and cook it without cutting it into further small pieces. Saves time!! :):)
we can add either cashews/poppy seeds(saute and paste) to this recipe to get a very sweet creamy finish.

Have a good day! :)