Qaliya mehtabi (creamy chicken curry with almonds)

Soak the almonds in warm water, just enough to cover, and set aside for 20 minutes.

Heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the onion for 3-4 minutes on medium heat. Stir in the ginger and garlic and fry for 2-3 minutes before adding the green chilli paste - continue cooking for another 30 seconds.

Add the chicken pieces, cumin and coriander, and season with salt. Fry for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is browned on all sides. Gradually add the yogurt and cook, stirring constantly, until the chicken is almost cooked before adding the water. Bring to the boil and remove the pan from the heat.

Put the almonds along with the soaking liquid in a mini food processor and blitz to a fine paste.

Remove the chicken pieces from the sauce and strain the sauce back into the pan. Set the over a medium heat and return the chicken pieces to the pan along with the almond paste. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes.

Add the cream, cardamom and lemon juice, stir and leave to simmer for another 2 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish, dab with silver leaf and sprinkle with almond slivers before serving.

About Salma Husain Salma Husain is a food historian who focuses on the royal kitchens of the Mughal Emperors. Salma’s work includes translating recipes from ancient Persian manuscripts and bringing them to modern day India. She is currently writing a book about the cuisine, history and culture of the Indian city Lucknow.