Murg Musallam Recipe - Pattar Roti -Dum ka Chicken

Murg Musallam Recipe - Pattar Roti -Dum ka Chicken is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Vahchef - VahRehVah on YouTube.

Prep: 6 hrs 25 min | Cook: 1 hr 5 min | Total: 7 hrs 50 min

Cost: $24.46 total, $6.12 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.1 kg Whole Chicken (cleaned, skin on)
  • 6 pieces Quail Eggs (boiled and peeled)
  • 2 Tbsp Salt (for brine)
  • 2 L Water (for brine and cooking)
  • 1 medium Carrot (peeled and diced)
  • 4 pieces Garlic Cloves (minced)
  • 1 large Onion (thinly sliced)
  • 2 pieces Bay Leaf
  • 1 piece Cinnamon Stick
  • 4 pieces Green Cardamom Pods
  • 4 pieces Cloves
  • 1 piece Star Anise
  • 1 tsp Hejira Spice Blend (optional aromatic blend)
  • 2 Tbsp Oil (vegetable or canola)
  • 1 tsp Cumin Seeds (also called jeera)
  • 0.5 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 1 Tbsp Ginger‑Garlic Paste
  • 1 tsp Coriander Powder
  • 1 tsp Cumin Powder
  • 1 tsp Red Chili Powder (adjust to heat preference)
  • 0.25 cup Almonds (blanched, skins removed)
  • 1 cup Tomato Puree (canned or fresh blended)
  • 0.5 cup Plain Yogurt (full‑fat for richness)
  • 1 cup Chicken Stock (store‑bought or homemade)
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Mint (chopped)
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Coriander (chopped)
  • 2 cups All‑Purpose Flour (for Pitaka roti dough)
  • 0.75 cup Warm Water (for yeast activation)
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • 1 tsp Active Dry Yeast
  • 0.5 tsp Salt (for dough)
  • 1 tsp Oil (for dough, optional)

Instructions

  1. Brine the Chicken

    Dissolve 2 Tbsp salt in 2 L water. Submerge the whole chicken, cover, and refrigerate for 4–5 hours. This keeps the meat juicy and seasons it throughout.

    Time: PT5H

  2. Boil and Peel Quail Eggs

    Bring a small pot of water to a boil, add the quail eggs, and cook for 4 minutes. Transfer to ice water, peel carefully, and set aside.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 100°C

  3. Prepare Almond Paste

    Blanch almonds, remove skins, then blend with a splash of water until a smooth paste forms. Set aside.

    Time: PT15M

  4. Make Gravy Base

    Heat 2 Tbsp oil in a heavy‑bottomed pan over medium heat. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds, let sizzle, then add sliced onion and sauté until lightly golden. Stir in 0.5 tsp turmeric, 1 Tbsp ginger‑garlic paste, 1 tsp coriander powder, 1 tsp cumin powder, and 1 tsp red chili powder; cook 1 minute without burning. Add almond paste, 1 cup tomato puree, and 0.5 cup yogurt; mix well.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 180°C

  5. Stuff the Chicken

    Pat the brined chicken dry. Gently make a small pocket between the breast meat and skin; insert the boiled quail eggs (one per pocket). Tie the legs together with kitchen twine to keep the shape.

    Time: PT10M

  6. Pressure Cook the Chicken

    Place the stuffed chicken in the pressure cooker. Add 1 cup chicken stock, 1 cup water, diced carrot, minced garlic, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, star anise, and 1 tsp Hejira (optional). Seal and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes, then allow natural release for 10 minutes.

    Time: PT30M

  7. Simmer Chicken in Gravy

    Transfer the cooked chicken to the pan with the almond‑tomato gravy. Add the remaining stock if needed to reach desired consistency. Simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, basting occasionally, until the meat is tender and the gravy coats the bird.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: 90°C

  8. Prepare Pitaka Roti Dough

    In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups flour, 0.5 tsp salt, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tsp active dry yeast. Add 0.75 cup warm water (38‑40°C) and 1 tsp oil; mix until a soft, non‑sticky dough forms.

    Time: PT10M

  9. Rest the Dough

    Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15 minutes at room temperature.

    Time: PT15M

  10. Bake Pitaka Roti

    Preheat a baking stone or heavy cast‑iron skillet in the oven at 250°C (482°F). Divide the dough into equal balls, roll each into a thin circle (≈15 cm). Place on the hot stone, bake for 4‑5 minutes until puffed and lightly browned, then flip and bake another 2 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 250°C

  11. Finish and Serve

    Garnish the simmered chicken with chopped mint and coriander. Transfer the whole bird to a serving platter, drizzle extra gravy over the top, and serve alongside the warm Pitaka roti.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
620
Protein
35 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
25 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains nuts

Allergens: Eggs, Tree nuts (almonds), Dairy (yogurt), Gluten (flour)

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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Murg Musallam Recipe - Pattar Roti -Dum ka Chicken

Recipe by Vahchef - VahRehVah

A regal Indian Mughlai feast featuring a whole chicken stuffed with boiled quail eggs, simmered in a rich almond‑tomato‑yogurt gravy, and served with soft, yeasted Pitaka roti baked on a hot stone. The recipe combines classic aromatics, a luxurious almond paste, and a touch of festive flair.

MediumIndianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
5h 40m
Prep
1h 35m
Cook
52m
Cleanup
8h 7m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$24.46
Total cost
$6.12
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Brining the chicken for moisture and flavor
  • Creating a pocket and stuffing quail eggs without tearing the skin
  • Pressure cooking to achieve tender meat while preserving the stuffing
  • Preparing a smooth almond paste for the gravy
  • Baking Pitaka roti on a very hot stone for authentic texture

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken with separate cutting board and wash hands thoroughly to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Release pressure from the cooker according to manufacturer instructions to prevent steam burns.
  • Use oven mitts when handling the hot baking stone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Murg Musallam in Indian Mughlai cuisine?

A

Murg Musallam, meaning “whole chicken,” originated in the royal kitchens of the Mughal Empire. It was a celebratory dish served at weddings and festivals, showcasing the chef’s skill by stuffing the bird with delicate ingredients like quail eggs and nuts, symbolizing abundance and hospitality.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Murg Musallam in North Indian cuisine?

A

In Delhi and Lucknow, the gravy is often richer with cream and saffron, while in Hyderabad the dish may include a tamarind base and more heat. Some regions replace almond paste with cashew paste or add rose water for fragrance.

cultural
Q

How is Murg Musallam traditionally served in Mughlai feasts?

A

The whole bird is presented on a large platter, garnished with fresh mint and coriander, and surrounded by aromatic rice or naan. Guests carve slices at the table, and the accompanying gravy is poured over each piece for maximum flavor.

cultural
Q

During which Indian celebrations is Murg Musallam traditionally prepared?

A

Murg Musallam is a staple for weddings, Eid feasts, and Diwali banquets in North India. Its luxurious presentation makes it ideal for special occasions where a whole bird symbolizes prosperity.

cultural
Q

How does Murg Musallam fit into the broader Mughlai cuisine tradition?

A

Mughlai cuisine emphasizes rich gravies, nuts, and aromatic spices—all present in Murg Musallam. The dish exemplifies the empire’s love for layered flavors, slow cooking techniques, and the use of premium ingredients like saffron, almonds, and ghee.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Murg Musallam versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include whole chicken, quail eggs, almonds, yogurt, and a blend of whole spices (cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, star anise). Substitutes can be cashew paste for almonds, hard‑boiled chicken eggs instead of quail eggs, and store‑bought garam masala in place of the whole‑spice mix.

cultural
Q

What other Mughlai dishes pair well with Murg Musallam and Pitaka Roti?

A

Classic pairings are saffron rice (zafrani pulao), shahi paneer, and a side of raita. The soft Pitaka roti is perfect for scooping up the rich gravy, while a crisp salad of cucumber and onion adds freshness.

cultural
Q

What makes Murg Musallam special or unique in Indian Mughlai cuisine?

A

Its uniqueness lies in the whole‑bird presentation, the surprise of quail eggs hidden inside, and the luxurious almond‑tomato‑yogurt gravy that balances nutty richness with tangy freshness. Few dishes combine stuffing, pressure cooking, and a yeasted flatbread in one meal.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Murg Musallam at home?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the chicken in the pressure cooker, which dries the meat; burning the spice powders by cooking them on too high heat; and failing to create a proper pocket for the quail eggs, leading to tearing. Follow the timing and low‑heat steps carefully.

technical
Q

Why does this Murg Musallam recipe use almond paste instead of a simple tomato sauce?

A

Almond paste adds a silky, nutty body that thickens the gravy without using flour, a hallmark of Mughlai gravies. It also balances the acidity of the tomato puree and enriches the sauce with healthy fats, creating a luxurious mouthfeel.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Vahchef - VahRehVah specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Vahchef - VahRehVah focuses on Indian home cooking, especially festive and traditional recipes that blend classic techniques with modern kitchen tools. The host often showcases elaborate dishes like whole‑bird preparations and regional specialties.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Vahchef - VahRehVah's approach to Indian Mughlai cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Vahchef - VahRehVah emphasizes step‑by‑step visual storytelling, using a mix of modern appliances (pressure cooker, oven stone) while staying true to authentic spice blends. Unlike many channels that simplify recipes, Vahchef retains the complexity of stuffing and multi‑layered gravies, appealing to cooks who enjoy a challenge.

channel

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