Part 3/8:
As the spices toast over medium heat, keep an ear out for crackling sounds, indicating they are on the right path. Once they reach a fragrant state, transfer them into a mortar to grind. The resulting spice mix should convey a complex scent, reminiscent of sweet pastries entwined with floral notes and a hint of smokiness.
Marinating the Chicken
The next step involves marinating chicken, best done with bone-in pieces to retain moisture during cooking. Combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, Kashmiri chili powder, turmeric, and the earlier prepared spice mix in a bowl. It’s a colorful blend that not only enhances flavor but also enriches the dish visually. Adding split green chilies increases the marination's aromatic punch without making them difficult to remove later.