Published August 8, 2026
Rate this recipe
Be the first to leave a star rating.
Restaurant flavor in under an hour!
Why karahi wins weeknights
- Fast, one-pan cooking with big flavor.
- Tomato-forward and lighter than cream curries.
- Perfect with two hot chapatis.
What you'll need
Fresh
- Chicken (bone-in)1 kg
- Tomato5–6 ripe
- Garlic + ginger2 tbsp
- Green chilies4
- Fresh cilantroa handful
- Fresh ginger (julienne)2 tbsp
Spices & staples
- Cumin seeds1 tsp
- Red chili powder1 tsp
- Black pepper (fresh)1 tsp
- Coriander powder1 tsp
- Oil / ghee⅓ cup
- Saltto taste
How to cook
High-heat tomato karahi with black pepper kick.
One pan = less cleanup!
- 1
Heat the karahi
Heat oil in a wok or deep pan. Add cumin, then chicken. Sear on high until lightly colored.
- 2
Add ginger-garlic
Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook 1–2 minutes until the raw smell goes.
- 3
Tomato blast
Add chopped tomatoes, chili powder, coriander, and salt. Cover 8–10 minutes until tomatoes break down.
- 4
Bhuna on high
Uncover and stir-fry until oil separates and gravy thickens around the chicken.
- 5
Pepper finish
Add slit green chilies and lots of black pepper. Cook 2 more minutes.
- 6
Serve sizzling
Top with cilantro and ginger. Serve immediately with roti or naan.
Why it works
- High heat keeps chicken juicy.
- Tomato reduction builds body without cream.
- Black pepper is the karahi signature.
Health + smart cooking notes
This Pakistani comfort favorite can also be balanced, flexible, and lower-waste.
Health snapshot
- Measure oil — 3–4 tbsp is enough for home pans.
- Skinless chicken lowers fat.
- Load tomatoes for volume with fewer calories.
Lower-waste cooking
- Use overripe tomatoes — they cook down beautifully.
- Leftover karahi makes great wraps.
- Cilantro stems can go in early for flavor.
Easy swaps
- Try mutton karahi (longer cook).
- Add a spoon of yogurt for silkier gravy.
- Bone-in gives more flavor than boneless.
Storage
Best fresh. Refrigerate up to 2 days; reheat on high heat briefly.
Loud, tomato-forward, and ready for weeknights.
Serve it with
Chapati
Everyday pairing.
Naan
For a restaurant-style plate.
Onion salad
Cuts the heat.
Want more recipe ideas today?
Visit the cook page for AI-generated quick recipes from what you already have — or browse more curated dishes.
