weeding stjle white chicken curry
Chicken Rezala (Bangladeshi Wedding Style) – White & Aromatic Curry Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 45 mins Serves: 4–6 Category: Traditional | Bangladeshi | Curry About This Dish Chicken Rezala is a traditional white curry, famous in Bangladeshi weddings and special occasions. It’s a mildly spiced dish made with chicken, yogurt, ghee, and whole spices, offering a rich, aromatic flavor with a creamy, slightly sweet touch. Ingredients For the Chicken: 1 kg chicken (bone-in pieces preferred) 1 cup yogurt (whisked) 2 medium onions (finely sliced) 1½ tbsp ginger paste 1 tbsp garlic paste 4 tbsp ghee (or mix of ghee & oil) Salt to taste ½ tsp sugar (optional) Whole Spices: 4 green cardamoms 1–2 black cardamoms 4 cloves 2-inch cinnamon stick 1 bay leaf 8–10 black peppercorns 1–2 dried red chilies (optional) For Flavor: ¼ cup cashew paste or 2 tbsp poppy seed paste (optional but authentic) ½ cup milk 1 tbsp kewra water or rose water (for aroma) Few drops of meetha attar (optional) 1 tsp white pepper powder (optional for color and mild heat) Instructions Step 1: Fry the Onions Heat 2 tbsp ghee/oil in a pan. Fry the sliced onions until golden brown. Remove and set aside. Once cool, crush half into a coarse paste and reserve the rest for garnish. Step 2: Marinate Chicken In a bowl, mix chicken with yogurt, ginger, garlic paste, salt, and the crushed fried onion paste. Marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor). Step 3: Cook the Rezala In a deep pot, heat the rest of the ghee. Add whole spices. Sauté until fragrant. Add the marinated chicken and cook on medium heat for 10–15 minutes until oil starts separating. Step 4: Add Richness Add cashew/poppy seed paste and milk. Cook on low heat until chicken is fully cooked and gravy thickens. Adjust salt, sugar, and white pepper. Step 5: Final Touch Add kewra/rose water and meetha attar (just a few drops!). Simmer for 2 minutes. Garnish with the reserved fried onions. Serving Suggestions Best served with paratha, pulao, or naan. A side of cucumber salad or raita balances the richness.
