Jalfrezi facts for kids
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Chicken jalfrezi
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| Alternative names | Jhal frezi |
|---|---|
| Type | Curry |
| Course | Main |
| Place of origin | South Asia |
| Region or state | Indian subcontinent |
| Associated national cuisine | India, Bangladeshi, Pakistan |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Green chillies; meat, seafood, vegetables or paneer |
Jalfrezi is a tasty curry dish that comes from a region called Bengal. This area is in South Asia, covering parts of modern-day India and Bangladesh. Jalfrezi is very popular there and in many other places around the world.
The word "Jalfrezi" actually means "hot-fry." This gives you a clue about how it's made! It's a stir-fried dish, which means the ingredients are cooked quickly in a hot pan. The main part of a Jalfrezi can be meat, fish, paneer (a type of cheese), or different vegetables. These are all cooked in a thick, spicy sauce. A key ingredient in this sauce is green chillies, which give it a kick! Other common ingredients include bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes.
The Story of Jalfrezi
Jalfrezi recipes first appeared in cookbooks during the time of British India. This was when Britain ruled over parts of India. People back then used Jalfrezi as a clever way to use up leftovers. They would fry leftover food with chillies and onions to make a new, delicious meal.
The name "Jalfrezi" comes from a Bengali phrase, jhāl porhezī. In Bengali, jhāl means "spicy food." The word porhezī means "suitable for a diet." So, it was a spicy dish that was also seen as good for you. The way Jalfrezi is made, by stir-frying, was a cooking style brought to the region by Chinese cuisine.
How Jalfrezi is Made
Making Jalfrezi usually starts with fresh ingredients. These include green peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Chefs also add different spices to the mix. Common spices are paprika and coriander, which add lots of flavor.
After the spices and vegetables are ready, the main ingredient is added. This could be vegetables or meat. Everything is then stir-fried together until it's perfectly cooked. Jalfrezi is often served hot. It goes well with pulao, which is a type of rice dish.
Jalfrezi's Popularity
Jalfrezi is a very well-loved dish. In 2011, a survey was done in the United Kingdom. It found that Jalfrezi was the most popular dish in Indian and other South Asian restaurants there. This shows how much people enjoy its spicy and flavorful taste!
See also
In Spanish: Jalfrezi para niños
