Published on

Chicken Rezala - A Flavorful Bengali Delight with Tender Chicken

Authors
  • avatar
    Name
    ChefPandas
    Twitter

🍲 About This Dish

Chicken Rezala is a quintessential Bengali dish that embodies the rich culinary heritage of Bengal. Originating in the royal kitchens of the Mughal era, this dish has evolved over centuries to become a beloved part of Bengali cuisine. The subtle balance of aromatic spices and tender chicken makes Chicken Rezala a true culinary delight.

🌶️ Ingredients Overview

  • Chicken (Murgi)
  • Yogurt (Doi)
  • Ghee (Ghee)
  • Cashew Nuts (Kaju)
  • Poppy Seeds (Posto)
  • Green Cardamom (Choti Elaichi)
  • Cinnamon (Dalchini)
  • Cloves (Laung)
  • Ginger (Ada)
  • Garlic (Rasun)
  • Green Chilies (Kacha Lanka)

✨ What Makes It Special

Chicken Rezala showcases the cultural fusion that defines Bengali cuisine. While the traditional recipe features a creamy white gravy enriched with yogurt and cashew nuts, variations can be found across different regions of India. In Kolkata, for example, a touch of sweetness is often added to the dish, highlighting the city's unique culinary preferences.

📝 Ingredients

  • 500g Chicken, cut into pieces
  • 1 cup Yogurt
  • 2 tbsp Ghee
  • 10-12 Cashew Nuts, soaked
  • 1 tbsp Poppy Seeds, ground
  • 4-5 Green Cardamoms
  • 1-inch Cinnamon Stick
  • 4-5 Cloves
  • 1-inch Ginger, grated
  • 6-8 Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 2-3 Green Chilies, slit
  • Salt, to taste
  • Sugar, a pinch
  • Garam Masala, for garnish
  • Fresh Coriander, for garnish

🥄 Spice Blend (Masala)

To make the spice blend for Chicken Rezala:

  1. Dry roast and grind 1 tbsp of poppy seeds.
  2. Combine 2 green cardamoms, 1-inch cinnamon stick, and 4-5 cloves, and grind into a fine powder.

👨‍🍳 Preparation Method

  1. Marinate the chicken pieces in yogurt, ginger, garlic, and the ground spice blend for at least 2 hours.
  2. Heat ghee in a pan and add the marinated chicken. Cook until the chicken is tender.
  3. Add soaked cashew nut paste and continue cooking.
  4. Add green chilies, salt, and a pinch of sugar for balance.
  5. Finish with a sprinkle of garam masala and fresh coriander before serving.

⏰ Timing Guide

  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Marination Time: 2 hours
  • Cooking Time: 40 minutes

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Chicken Rezala is traditionally served with fragrant basmati rice or buttery naan bread. Garnish with a sprinkle of garam masala and fresh coriander leaves for an authentic touch. This dish is perfect for special occasions and gatherings, showcasing the rich flavors of Bengali cuisine.

💭 Chef's Notes

  • For a richer flavor, you can add a touch of kewra water or rose water to the dish.
  • Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by controlling the amount of green chilies used.

📦 Storage

Store any leftover Chicken Rezala in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop to preserve the flavors.

Enjoy the exquisite flavors of Chicken Rezala, a dish that reflects the culinary artistry and cultural heritage of Bengal.