Ingredients

• 1 (4 lb) whole chickens, cut into 8 to 10 pieces and skinned
• 3/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• salt
• 1 1/2 medium onions, roughly diced
• 5 garlic cloves
• fresh ginger, peeled and cut in half crosswise
• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• cinnamon stick
• 12 green cardamom pods
• 9 whole cloves
• 9 black peppercorns
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt, whisked until smooth
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lemon, juice of

Instructions

1. Combine the chicken, 1/2 teaspoon of the turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon of the cayenne, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a bowl and stir to coat the chicken with the spices. Let stand while you make the sauce.

2. Finely mince the onions, garlic, and ginger in a food processor and set aside.

3. Combine 2 tablespoons of the oil, the cinnamon, cardamom, cloves,and black peppercorns in a large casserole over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring until the cinnamon unfurls, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the minced onion mixture and 1 teaspoon salt, and cook, stirring until the onion browns around the edges, 10 to 15 minutes.

4. Remove and discard the cinnamon and stir in the remaining 1/4 teaspoon turmeric and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne. Add the tomatoes and tomato paste and cook, stirring 5 minutes. Transfer to a food processor or blender and puree until smooth; set aside.

5. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of the oil in the same pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Add the yogurt 1 tablespoon at a time and stir well after each addition. Cook, stirring, 2 minutes to evaporate some of the moisture.

6. Add the pureed tomato mixture and bring to a boil. Stir in the water. Return to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer partially covered, until the chicken is cooked through, about 30 minutes. Stir and scrape the bottom of the pan every 5 to 8 minutes to keep the sauce from sticking. Then uncover and cook 5 more minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce. Stir in the cilantro and lemon juice. Taste for salt and serve hot.