Bengali Kosha Murgir Mangsho (Chicken in a Spicy Dry Gravy)
This classic Bengali dish features succulent chicken cooked in a rich, spicy dry gravy with caramelized onions, ginger, and a hint of cardamom. The deep flavors evoke memories from the streets of Kolkata.
Cuisine: Bengali
Course: Side Dish
Diet: High Protein, Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients:
- 500g Chicken drumsticks
- 2-inch piece Ginger, ground into a paste
- 2 cloves Garlic, ground into a paste
- 5 Onions, finely sliced
- 2 tbsp Curd (Dahi / Yogurt), whipped
- 2 Bay leaves (tej patta)
- 2 Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds
- 2 Cloves (Laung)
- 1-inch Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini)
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder (Haldi)
- 4 tsp Red Chilli powder
- 1 tsp Garam masala powder
- Mustard oil, for cooking
- Salt, to taste
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Instructions:
-
Marinate the Chicken:
- Make 3-4 deep slits on each chicken drumstick using a sharp knife.
- In a large mixing bowl, marinate the chicken with ginger paste, garlic paste, whipped yogurt, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, 1 tablespoon mustard oil, and salt. Let it sit for at least 3-4 hours (the longer, the better).
-
Cook the Whole Spices:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of mustard oil in a thick-bottomed pan. Once the oil is smoking hot, add cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and bay leaves. Allow the spices to splutter and release their fragrance.
-
Caramelize the Onions:
- Add the finely sliced onions to the pan. Fry them until they are golden brown and caramelized.
-
Cook the Chicken:
- Add the marinated chicken along with the marinade to the pan. Stir to combine. Cover and cook over low flame until the masala comes together and the chicken is nearly cooked.
-
Simmer and Finish:
- Add about 1/2 cup of warm water to the pan, stir well, and continue to cook until the chicken is tender and the gravy thickens to a coating consistency.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle garam masala powder on top and stir well. Turn off the heat.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, paired with Aloo Parwal Sabzi and Bengali Style Cholar Dal for a traditional Bengali meal.
Enjoy this flavorful and aromatic Bengali dish as part of a hearty lunch!
