Name: ~Chicken Rezala~ Recipe: Make This Creamy Bengali Dish At Home
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 450 gms Chicken (drumsticks); to taste Salt; 3/4 tsp Ginger-garlic paste; 2/3 cup Curd, beaten; 1/4 tsp White Pepper Powder; 1 1/2 medium White onion, cut into halves; 1/2 tbsp + 1 ts Oil; 1/4 tbsp Poppy seeds, soaked in water; 4-5 Cashew nuts, soaked in water; 1/2 tbsp Ghee; 1-2 Cloves; 1/2 Bay leaf; 1/4 inch Cinnamon stick; 1-2 Dry red chillies; 1/4 tbsp Butter, cubed; 3-4 Saffron strands; 1/4 tsp Kewra water; 8-9 Black peppercorns; 3 Green cardamom; 1 Mace; 1/2 tsp Coriander seeds; 1 Coriander sprig

Question 1

1. What makes a Rezala different from a regular Korma?

Accepted Answer

These two dishes use different ingredients and are known for their distinct textures. Unlike a regular korma, which relies on browned onions and spices, a rezala uses onion paste, yoghurt and seeds to make a light gravy which is perfumed with kewra water.

Question 2

2. What is a good substitute for poppy seeds?

Accepted Answer

For the same gravy texture, you can substitute poppy seeds with melon seeds if you find them more readily available at the grocery store.

Question 3

3. How to store chicken rezala leftovers?

Accepted Answer

You can store the leftover chicken rezala in the refrigerator; it stays fresh for 3 days if stored in a good airtight container. Additionally, if you have a large batch of leftover chicken curry, you can freeze it.

Question 4

4. Can I make chicken rezala without kewra water?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. Kewra water is known to add a floral note to the chicken rezala. It is a classic technique used in Mughlai and Awadhi cuisine.

Question 5

5. Can I use black pepper instead of white pepper?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but the colour of the curry will change. White pepper mixes easily in the creamy gravy of chicken rezala; if replaced with black pepper, you might see specks in your gravy.

Chicken Rezala

Chicken Rezala Recipe: Make This Creamy Bengali Dish At Home

Ingredients

Chicken Rezala
Recipe: Make This Creamy Bengali Dish At Home