Chicken Rezala Recipe: A Flavorful Delight from Mughlai Cuisine
Chicken Rezala is a popular dish from the Mughlai cuisine that has been enjoyed by foodies across the Indian subcontinent for centuries. The dish is believed to have originated in the royal kitchens of the Mughal emperors and was introduced to the commoners during the Mughal era. The dish has a rich, creamy texture and a unique blend of spices that make it a perfect comfort food for those who love non-vegetarian cuisine. In this article, we will discuss the ingredients and preparation process of Chicken Rezala.
Ingredients:
- Chicken (500 grams)
- Yogurt (1 cup)
- Onion (2 medium, sliced)
- Ginger paste (2 tablespoons)
- Garlic paste (2 tablespoons)
- Green chillies (4, slit)
- Cashew nuts (10-12)
- Poppy seeds (2 tablespoons)
- White pepper powder (1 teaspoon)
- Salt (to taste)
- Ghee (3 tablespoons)
- Fresh cream (2 tablespoons)
- Saffron (a pinch)
Preparation:
Step 1: Marinate the chicken
Take 500 grams of chicken and wash it thoroughly. Cut the chicken into medium-sized pieces and marinate it with 1 cup of yogurt, 1 tablespoon of ginger paste, 1 tablespoon of garlic paste, and salt to taste. Keep the marinated chicken aside for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the paste
In a blender, add 2 sliced onions, 4 green chillies, 10-12 cashew nuts, and 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds. Blend them into a smooth paste.
Step 3: Cook the chicken
In a deep pan, heat 3 tablespoons of ghee and add the marinated chicken to it. Fry the chicken for 5-6 minutes until it turns golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and keep it aside.
Step 4: Cook the paste
In the same pan, add the onion paste and fry it for 2-3 minutes until it turns golden brown. Add 1 teaspoon of white pepper powder and a pinch of saffron to the paste and mix well.
Step 5: Add the chicken
Now, add the fried chicken to the paste and mix well. Add 1 cup of water to the pan and cover it with a lid. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes on medium heat until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 6: Add fresh cream
Once the chicken is cooked, add 2 tablespoons of fresh cream to the pan and mix well. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Step 7: Serve hot
Garnish the Chicken Rezala with chopped coriander leaves and serve it hot with steamed rice or naan bread.
Tips:
- For a richer taste, you can replace the fresh cream with thickened milk or khoya.
- If you want to make the dish spicier, you can add more green chillies or red chilli powder.
- You can also use boneless chicken for this recipe.
Conclusion:
Chicken Rezala is a delicious and flavorful dish that has been a favorite of foodies for generations. The dish has a unique blend of spices and a creamy texture that make it a perfect comfort food for those who love non-vegetarian cuisine. The dish is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed with steamed rice or naan bread. So, the next time you want to indulge in some rich and flavorful Mughlai cuisine, give Chicken Rezala a try!
