Qeema in 12 Steps

I remember reading somewhere that Qeema is the official food of Pakistan. It is such a quick and easy way to have protein. Children also love it for its simplicity. I use both fresh tomatoes, and yogurt to make sure that the chicken does not dry out; and what you end up with is a very moist and savory weeknight meal. 

Ingredients (in the order they are used):

1 large onion (red or yellow, thinly sliced)
1 lemon
1 jalapeno (seeds and membrane removed)
3 tablespoons of oil (using grape seed oil)
4 cloves of garlic (finely chopped)
1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
2 cloves
3 peppercorns
1 curry leaf
1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder
1/4 teaspoon of cayenne
1 teaspoon of salt
3 chopped tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon of coriander powder
1/4 cup of cilantro leaves (chopped)
2 pounds of ground chicken
1 teaspoon of sumac
1/2 cup of yogurt (using Trader Joe's French yogurt)

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine some of the sliced onions (about 1/8 cup), juice of a lemon, and sliced jalapeno, along with 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Set them aside.

Step 2: In a skillet, over high heat, warm up the oil.

Step 3: Add the remaining sliced onions. Saute them until they are soft.

Step 4: Add the chopped garlic cloves.

Fry until golden in color.

Step 5: Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds. Cook for a minute.

Step 6: Add the cloves, peppercorns, curry leaf, turmeric powder, cayenne, and salt. Give everything a quick stir. Cook for 30 seconds.

Step 7: Add the chopped tomatoes, cilantro, and coriander powder. Cook for a minute.

Step 8: Add the ground chicken. Continue stirring.

Step 9: Add 1 teaspoon of sumac. Continue cooking the chicken until it is not pink anymore.

Step 10: Mix in the yogurt.

Step 11: Add the pickled onions, jalapeno, and lemon juice, which you set aside in step 1. Cover the skillet and cook on medium-low heat until all the water has been absorbed.

Step 12: Check for seasoning. Your delicious Qeema is ready.

You can have the Qeema with roti, rice, or naan. Or, you can use it in a burrito.