Are you tired of cooking the same old chicken recipes over and over again? Do you want to impress your guests with a unique and flavorful dish that they won’t soon forget? Look no further than this delicious Chicken Rezala recipe.

Originating from the Bengali region of India, Chicken Rezala is a mouth-watering dish that incorporates aromatic spices, tender chicken, and a creamy, rich sauce. This Bengali style chicken dish is slow-cooked with whole spices and a flavorful white gravy made from cashew nuts and poppy seeds. The result is a mildly spicy, shahi chicken with a unique flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Don’t let the intricate-sounding ingredients intimidate you – this recipe is easy to follow, step by step. By following the instructions carefully, you’ll be able to make chicken rezala just like they do at Banglar Rannaghor. Impress your friends and family with this delicious and tasty meal.

So grab your apron and get ready to make something truly special. In this article, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know in order to make the perfect Chicken Rezala at home. From the ingredient list to step-by-step instructions, serving suggestions to make-ahead tips – I’ve got you covered. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Rezala is a mouth-watering Bengali style curry that is highly popular all across India. You’ll fall in love with this unique dish because of its creamy rich and mildly spicy taste that will leave you feeling utterly satisfied. Whether it’s a dinner party or just a casual night with family, Chicken Rezala is always a showstopper. Trust me; your guests will not be able to get enough of this dish.

What sets this chicken curry apart from others is the combination of whole spices such as cardamoms, cloves, and bay leaves, infused with cashew nuts, poppy seeds, and yoghurt. Slow-cooked in a blend of garlic & ginger paste, white pepper powder, sugar and half-and-half, the chicken absorbs the rich flavors that make Chicken Rezala so deliciously special.

It’s also incredibly easy to make Chicken Rezala using simple ingredients readily found in every household. The recipe requires three teaspoons each of garlic and ginger paste, two tablespoons of cashew and poppy seed mix for making the flavourful paste-mix, one tsp white pepper powder and saffron strands for the beautiful yellow color. These ingredients are mixed into the ingredients list easily available from any grocery store.

Moreover, Chicken Rezala is incredibly versatile. It pairs well with steamed rice or assorted Indian bread like Naan or Paratha. It’s perfect for both lunch and dinner occasions or on special events to wow your guests.

In conclusion, it’s undeniable that Chicken Rezala made using this recipe should certainly be your next go-to dish. Whether you’re hosting an Urdu-themed event or just seeking some variety in your dinner menu agenda nights – I believe that this recipe will undoubtedly become one of your favourites!

Ingredient List

These succulent chicken pieces are perfectly simmered in a rich, aromatic gravy.

Before beginning the chicken rezala recipe, it is essential to gather all necessary ingredients to ensure that the cooking process goes smoothly. The following are the ingredients required to make this delicious Bengali-style chicken rezala:

1 kg chicken, cut into medium pieces
2 cups of water
Salt (to taste)
1 cup of half-and-half or heavy cream
A pinch of saffron strand
5 cardamoms
5 cloves
2 tablespoons of sugar
3 teaspoons of garlic paste
3 teaspoons of ginger paste
1 teaspoon of white pepper powder
1 tablespoon of rose water
2 bay leaves
1 cup of plain yogurt
½ cup cashew nuts and poppy seeds, ground together into a paste
Whole spices – a little cinnamon stick, two green cardamoms, and four cloves

The Recipe How-To

The subtle fragrance of whole spices complements the tender meat in a way that is truly unforgettable.

Now that we have gone through the ingredients required to make this delightful Chicken Rezala let’s get started. You can either cook it in a pressure cooker or a pot, but for best results, we will be cooking it in a pot.

Step by Step Directions
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Steps

Mix the yoghurt with water, salt, and cardamoms.
Heat oil in a pot and add bay leaves, white pepper powder, and chopped onions. Fry them till they turn golden brown.
Lower the heat and add the paste mix of garlic and ginger. Fry it till the aroma of garlic disappears.
Now, add chicken pieces to the mix and fry it on medium heat for about 15-20 minutes.
Add the reserved yoghurt mix, 2 tsp of sugar to level out the flavors, and saffron or yellow food color to give it an appealing look.
Add whole spices such as cloves, cardamom pods, and cashew-poppy seed paste. Adjust seasoning as per taste.
Let everything simmer on low heat, covered with a lid for about 35-40 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
Finally, add the mixture of rooh afza or rose water with cream just before serving to give your dish a rich texture.

Now that you know how to make this delicious Bengali style chicken rezala dish at home, all that is left is serving it!

Substitutions and Variations

The velvety smooth texture of this delicious curry sauce is sure to make your taste buds dance with joy.

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are a few different ways you can mix up this Bengali-style Chicken Rezala recipe. Here are some substitutions and variations to consider:

– Cashew nuts: if you can’t find cashews, you can swap them out for macadamias, almonds, or pistachios for an added crunch

– Poppy seeds: if you don’t have these on hand, try using sesame seeds or sunflower seeds instead

– White pepper powder: if you don’t usually keep white pepper powder in your pantry, black pepper powder is a great alternative with slightly less heat

– Yoghurt: the recipe calls for half-and-half, but if you want to make the dish dairy-free, coconut cream is a great alternative to yoghurt.

– Meat substitute: if you’re vegetarian or just want to switch things up, tofu or paneer can replace chicken in this recipe. Additionally, mushrooms are always a delicious plant-based protein to add in.

– Spice level: If you prefer more of a kick in your curries, try adding some red or green chili peppers to the sauce mixture.

These variations will give the dish a unique twist without straying too far from the original recipe. Don’t hesitate to get creative and experiment with new flavors – it’s all part of the fun of cooking!

Serving and Pairing

This is a party-perfect recipe, ideal for those who love to entertain guests with exotic dishes.

If you want to impress your guests with a mouth-watering, Bengali-style chicken curry, then this chicken rezala recipe is perfect! In this section, I’ll share with you some tips for serving and pairing this fantastic dish.

When it comes to serving chicken rezala, the best way is to present it in a large bowl, with some coriander leaves as garnish. You can accompany it with plain rice or any Indian bread such as naan, paratha or roti.

As this dish is mildly spicy with creamy rich gravy and unique flavor, you want to pair it with something that doesn’t overpower it but still supports its flavors. A side of cooling raita made with yoghurt and chopped vegetables is always great to balance the heat in the dish. A salad made of cucumbers and tomatoes dressed with some lemon juice and salt adds freshness to the meal.

For drinks, soft beverages such as mint lemonade or lassi that are relatively mild in flavor will go well with this spicy shahi chicken. If you prefer wines instead of soft drinks, fruity white wines like Riesling or Chenin Blanc can be excellent choices. You can also serve beer like Miller Lite or Asahi Super Dry which cuts through the flavor of spices and complement smoky notes.

Of course, the choice of sides and beverages depends on your preference and your guests’ tastes. But I strongly recommend serving chicken rezala hot as it tastes best that way!

All in all, this bengali-style chicken rezala recipe when served with plain rice or Indian bread is a tasty combo that will leave everyone wanting more. Enjoy!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

You can serve Chicken Rezala with naan, roti or steaming hot basmati rice.

When it comes to making Chicken Rezala, there are a few options for preparing ahead of time. You can make the curry base up to 2-3 days in advance and refrigerate it, without the chicken. This will save you a lot of time when it comes to cooking, especially if you’re preparing for a large party or gathering.

If you’ve already made the entire dish and have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so on a low heat and add a little bit of water if the sauce has thickened. You don’t want the chicken to become overcooked and lose its tenderness.

In case you’re running out of time and need to reheat quickly, microwave your Chicken Rezala for 1-2 minutes until warm but not hot. If doing this, don’t forget to cover your container loosely with a lid or cling film so that the dish doesn’t spatter all over your microwave.

Chicken Rezala is perfect for meal prep as well. Batch cook and portion into individual containers for ready-to-go meals throughout the week. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Keep note that freezing Chicken Rezala alters its texture and quality, therefore I wouldn’t recommend it.

Trust me; your guests will never know that they’re eating leftover Chicken Rezala when reheated correctly.

Tips for Perfect Results

The complex flavors of this dish will transport you straight to the heart of India.

Hark back to my dad’s advice on cooking chicken rezala, “The trick is to take it slow.” No need to hurry through the process because your patience will pay off in the end with delightfully flavorful tender chicken. The following tips will ensure you achieve excellent results every time.

Use Fresh and High-Quality Ingredients:

Invest in good-quality saffron, cardamom pods, cloves, and other whole spices since the spices’ freshness affects the taste of the dish. You will also require fresh yogurt that tastes a bit tangy for the recipe.

Brown Chicken Well:

When sautéing chicken portions, use a heavy-bottomed skillet or a Dutch oven to achieve a golden brown crust. Browning helps seal in flavors and moisture, ultimately enhancing the taste.

Balance the Yogurt Ratio:

Do not add too little or too much yogurt to the mixture while cooking. Yogurt offers tanginess and creaminess so you can adjust the quantity based on personal preference or the recipe instructions.

Cook Slowly:

Ensure that you cook chicken rezala slowly to develop deeper flavor profiles. A lower heat setting allows all ingredients to blend well since overcooking or overheating ingredients could ruin the unique flavor and texture of this dish.

Make-Ahead:

While it’s not required, making chicken rezala ahead can help merge all flavors for a more satisfying taste. You can prep your ingredients one day in advance, sauté or fry them together, let cool down overnight, then reheat them before serving for dinner or lunch.

Don’t Forget Water:

When making white gravy for shahi chicken rezala, keep a jug of boiling water handy since you may need it to thin out excess thickening.

Reheat Correctly:

Even though it is better when fresh, leftovers are still delicious. When reheating chicken rezala the following day, use a low and gentle heat setting to prevent drying out its creamy rich texture.

Take Away:

Using these tips is guaranteed to produce exceptional Bengali style shahi chicken rezala that is mildly spicy with a unique flavor profile from cashew nuts and poppy seeds. A perfect serve with hot rice that gives an unforgettable experience to both hosts and guests alike.

FAQ

As we head to the Frequently Asked Questions section, we must thank our stars for the advent of Bengali style chicken recipes such as Chicken Rezala. This dish offers a unique flavor fit for any special occasion. Nonetheless, as is customary with most delicacies, you may have a few queries and concerns about its preparation, making process or even nutritional benefits. To ensure this recipe is useful in your kitchen, this FAQ section seeks to address any troubling questions or uncertainties that you may have. Let’s dive right in!

What is Rezala made of?

If you’re in the mood for a flavorful curry that combines the rich flavors of yogurt, cashew nuts, poppy seeds, and whole spices, then Rezala is the perfect dish for you to try. This Mughlai-style recipe promises a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to impress your guests.

What is the mean of Rezala?

A delicacy originating from Bengal that consists of meat cooked in a yogurt and cardamom-based sauce is known as rezala.

Which variety of attars are used for Rezala?

Chicken rezala stands out among other Mughlai dishes due to its distinct flavor, which is achieved by using a combination of various attars like kewra water, meetha attar, and rose water. These essences give the dish a royal touch and a unique taste that cannot be found in any other dish.

Who is associated with Rezala?

Sabir has gained fame for its delicious Rezala, but what remains unknown to many is the delightful breakfast offerings that it has to offer.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the Chicken Rezala recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to tantalize their taste buds with some Bengali-style cooking. With its unique flavor and slow-cooking technique, it is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. The creamy and rich texture of the gravy with cashew nuts and poppy seeds whole spices make this dish irresistible.

Remember, you can always substitute or vary the ingredients to suit your preference, but be sure not to compromise on the distinctive taste of Chicken Rezala. With proper planning, you can prepare this dish in advance or store the leftovers for another day’s meal.

So, whether you are trying to impress your friends at a party or simply craving some tasty and spicy chicken curry, give this recipe a try, and you won’t regret it. Follow the steps by Sanjeev Kapoor or Banglar Rannaghor, who perfected this delicacy and enjoy with some fluffy rice. This indulgent and delicious Chicken Rezala will become a family favorite in no time!

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Anna

Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!