Peshawari Charsi Tikka is a popular and flavorful dish known for its rich and aromatic spices. The term “Charsi” refers to the use of strong and bold flavors. Here’s a simple recipe for making Peshawari Charsi Tikka:

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 500g boneless chicken pieces (thighs or breast)
• 1 cup thick yogurt
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon red chili powder
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin powder
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• 1 tablespoon chaat masala
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

For Basting:

• Butter or ghee

For Garnish:

• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• Lemon wedges

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   • In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients – yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, smoked paprika, kasuri methi, chaat masala, lemon juice, salt, and cooking oil.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
   • Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the flavors to penetrate the meat.
3. Preheat the Grill:
   • Preheat your grill or oven to a high temperature.
4. Skewer the Chicken:
   • Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
5. Grill the Tikka:
   • Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill the chicken, turning occasionally, until it’s cooked through and has a nice char on the outside. Baste the chicken with butter or ghee during grilling for added flavor.
6. Serve:
   • Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with lemon wedges.

Tips:

• Smoking (Optional):
  • For an extra smoky flavor, you can use charcoal. Heat a piece of charcoal until it’s red-hot, place it in a small bowl in the center of your chicken, and pour a little bit of oil or ghee over it. Cover the dish immediately to trap the smoke.
• Accompaniments:
  • Serve Peshawari Charsi Tikka with naan or roti and a side of mint chutney or yogurt sauce.
• Adjust Spice Levels:
  • Adjust the quantity of red chili powder and smoked paprika according to your spice tolerance.

This recipe captures the essence of Peshawari Charsi Tikka, but keep in mind that variations exist, and you can adjust the spices and ingredients to suit your preferences. Enjoy your flavorful Charsi Tikka!