How to Make Traditional Bengali Chicken Curry at Home

Bengali cuisine is famous for its rich flavors and diverse dishes, and one of the most beloved recipes is the chicken curry recipe. If you’re a fan of aromatic spices and comforting meals, this dish is perfect for you. This blog will guide you step-by-step to make an authentic Bengali chicken curry at home. Don’t worry; it’s a simple chicken curry recipe that even beginners can follow.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need for this easy chicken curry recipe.

• 500g of chicken (preferably bone-in for authentic flavor)
• 2 large onions (finely chopped)
• 3 medium-sized tomatoes (chopped)
• 2 green chilies (slit)
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 4 tablespoons mustard oil (for authentic Bengali taste, but you can use any oil)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 stick of cinnamon
• 4-5 cardamom pods
• 4-5 cloves
• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon red chili powder (adjust based on your spice preference)
• 2 tablespoons cumin-coriander powder
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional but recommended for balance)
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
• Salt to taste
• Water for gravy

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Bengali Chicken Curry

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, add the chicken pieces, turmeric powder, salt, and a little oil. Mix well and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the chicken, making it tender and juicy in the curry.

Step 2: Prepare the Masala Base

Heat mustard oil in a deep pan or kadhai over medium heat. Mustard oil has a strong flavor that brings out the essence of Bengali food. Once the oil is hot and starts to smoke slightly, add cumin seeds, bay leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Let them splutter and release their aroma.

Now, add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell goes away, around 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Spices

Next, add the chopped tomatoes and green chilies. Cook the mixture until the tomatoes soften and the oil starts separating from the masala. This should take about 5 minutes.

Once the tomatoes are cooked, add the red chili powder, cumin-coriander powder, and garam masala. Stir everything well, making sure the spices coat the onion-tomato mixture evenly.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Now, it’s time to add the marinated chicken to the masala base. Mix the chicken well with the masala so that each piece is coated with the spicy mixture. Cook the chicken on medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom.

Step 5: Add Water for Gravy

Once the chicken is well-cooked and starts releasing oil, it’s time to add water. Depending on how thick you want your curry to be, you can add about 1-2 cups of water. If you prefer a thicker gravy, add less water. Let the curry simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the gravy reaches the desired consistency.

Step 6: Final Touches

Once the curry is done, check the salt and adjust if necessary. Add a teaspoon of sugar to balance out the spiciness, which is a typical Bengali touch. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

Your quick chicken recipes are ready to be served!

Tips for the Perfect Bengali Chicken Curry

1. Use bone-in chicken: For a truly authentic Bengali flavor, it’s best to use bone-in chicken. The bones add a depth of flavor to the curry.
2. Slow cooking: Although this is an easy chicken curry recipe, slow cooking the chicken allows it to absorb all the spices and makes the meat more tender.
3. Adjust spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your preference. If you don’t like too much heat, reduce the red chili powder or skip the green chilies.
4. Fresh ingredients: Always use fresh ingredients like ginger, garlic, and tomatoes to enhance the taste of your curry.
5. Mustard oil: If you want to enjoy the authentic Bengali taste, using mustard oil is key. However, if you find the flavor too strong, you can substitute it with vegetable oil or ghee.

How to Serve Your Bengali Chicken Curry

Bengali chicken curry pairs perfectly with steamed basmati rice, but it also goes well with other accompaniments like:

• Roti or paratha: If you want a more bread-like option, serve the curry with soft, flaky parathas or simple rotis.
• Pulao: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can serve this chicken recipes easy with a side of pulao for a more elaborate meal.

Health Benefits of Bengali Chicken Curry

While this dish is packed with flavors, it also offers numerous health benefits:

• Protein-rich: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Spices with health benefits: Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and garlic is excellent for heart health. These spices not only add flavor but also provide health benefits.
• Balanced meal: This simple chicken curry recipe offers a balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates when served with rice or bread.

Variations You Can Try

If you want to add your own twist to this easy chicken curry recipe, here are a few variations you can experiment with:

• Coconut milk: For a creamier version, add some coconut milk towards the end of the cooking process.
• Potatoes: In many Bengali households, potatoes are added to the curry. It soaks up the flavors and makes the dish heartier.
• Yogurt: If you want a slightly tangy flavor, marinate the chicken in yogurt along with the spices.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: This recipe is perfect for those who are short on time but still want to enjoy a flavorful meal. It’s a quick chicken recipes option for a weeknight dinner.
• Authentic flavor: Despite being a simple recipe, the use of mustard oil and Bengali spices gives it an authentic and rich flavor.
• Family-friendly: This dish is mild enough to be enjoyed by the whole family, but you can always increase the spice level if you prefer more heat.

Conclusion

Making a traditional Bengali chicken curry at home doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right ingredients and a little patience, you can create a delicious, aromatic curry that’s perfect for any meal. This chicken curry recipe is not only authentic but also an easy chicken curry recipe that’s perfect for beginners. Give it a try, and you’ll be amazed by how flavorful and satisfying it is!

Now that you have the step-by-step guide, get into your kitchen and start preparing this flavorful dish! Happy cooking!