Bengali Style Chicken Rezala Recipe – Chicken Korma
This Bengali-style Chicken Rezala, also known as Chicken Korma, is a rich and aromatic curry, packed with delicate spices and creamy textures that make it a standout dish. A beloved recipe in Bengali cuisine, this dish combines tender chicken with a silky smooth gravy made from cashews, sesame seeds, and a variety of aromatic spices, giving it a luxurious feel. Perfect for a special occasion or a Sunday feast, this dish is best served with whole wheat onion-stuffed kulcha or a side of Begun Bhaja (fried eggplant). Let’s dive into how you can recreate this delightful dish in your kitchen!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion (ground to paste) | 1 medium |
| Cashew nuts (ground to paste) | 10 pieces |
| Sesame seeds (Til seeds, ground) | 2 tablespoons |
| Bay leaves (Tej Patta) | 2 leaves |
| Cloves (Laung) | 4 cloves |
| Cardamom (Elaichi, Pods/Seeds) | 2 pods |
| Cinnamon stick (Dalchini) | 1-inch stick |
| Dry red chillies | 4 whole |
| Garam masala powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Black pepper powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Mustard oil (for cooking) | 2 tablespoons |
| Chicken (drumsticks and thighs) | 1 kg |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Saffron strands (for garnish) | 10 strands |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Bengali
Course: Main Course
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
To start, take an onion and grind it along with half of the ginger and garlic in a mixer to form a smooth paste. Once done, transfer this paste to a bowl and set it aside. Clean the mixer and add cashew nuts and sesame seeds to it. Add about 1/4 cup of water and grind them together to form another smooth paste. Set this paste aside in a separate bowl.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Wash the chicken pieces thoroughly and place them in a large bowl. Add half of the ground onion paste, half of the cashew-nut and sesame seed paste, 1 cup of yogurt, salt to taste, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper powder. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring that all the chicken pieces are coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This marination process helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse the flavors into the meat.
Step 3: Cooking the Chicken Rezala
Heat a large kadai (wok) and add mustard oil. Once the oil heats up, add the whole spices—cloves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, bay leaves, and dry red chillies. Sauté these spices for about a minute until they release their aromatic flavors.
Step 4: Add Aromatics and Spice Paste
Add the remaining chopped onion, ginger, and garlic to the pan and sauté for a few minutes until the onions soften and turn golden. Then, add the remaining cashew-nut and sesame seed paste to the pan, stirring everything together to ensure the mixture is well-combined.
Step 5: Cook the Marinated Chicken
Now, add the marinated chicken along with the yogurt mixture into the pan. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of garam masala powder and add salt to taste. Stir the mixture gently to incorporate all the ingredients. Cover the pan with a lid and allow the chicken to cook on medium heat for 25 minutes. During this time, the chicken will cook through and absorb all the spices.
Step 6: Final Touches
After 25 minutes, open the lid and check the chicken for doneness. Stir the curry gently, making sure the chicken pieces are evenly cooked. Once the chicken is tender and fully cooked, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sugar over the curry and give it a final stir to balance the flavors.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the cooked Chicken Rezala to a serving plate. Garnish with a few saffron strands for a touch of elegance and an extra layer of flavor. Serve the Bengali Style Chicken Rezala hot.
Serving Suggestions
To complement this rich and flavorful dish, serve it alongside Whole Wheat Onion Stuffed Kulcha and a side of Begun Bhaja (crispy fried eggplant). A small bowl of Pickled Onions also adds a nice tangy contrast to the creamy texture of the curry.
Enjoy your meal with family and friends, and relish the taste of authentic Bengali flavors right at your dining table.
This recipe combines the best of Bengali cuisine with its balanced use of spices and rich, creamy sauce. The mustard oil adds a distinct sharpness to the dish, while the cashew-nut and sesame seed paste contribute to the velvety consistency of the gravy. Perfectly spiced and tender, this Chicken Rezala will surely become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
