Authentic Bengali Murgh Rezala (Royal White Chicken Curry with Poppy Seeds & Kewra)

Indian, Poultry

Authentic Bengali Murgh Rezala (Royal White Chicken Curry with Poppy Seeds & Kewra)

A regal Awadhi-Bengali curry featuring bone-in chicken braised in a luxurious white gravy of strained yogurt, cashew paste, ground poppy seeds, and aromatic kewra.

Prep Time

25 Mins

Cook Time

45 Mins

Servings

4 Servings

Skill Level

Intermediate

History & Origins

Nawabi Heritage of Metiabruz and Kolkata

Brought to Bengal by the exiled Nawab of Awadh Wajid Ali Shah in 1856, Rezala evolved into a crown jewel of Kolkata Mughlai gastronomy, celebrated for its pristine pale color and fragrant royal essences.

Ingredients

Marinated Chicken & Fragrant Velouté Base

  • •2 lbs Bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks, skinless
  • •1 cup Plain whole milk curd (dahi), whisked until smooth
  • •3 tbsp White poppy seed (posto) paste, soaked and ground
  • •2 tbsp Cashew nut paste
  • •3 tbsp Pure cow ghee
  • •2 tbsp Ginger-garlic paste

Finishing, Garnishes & Chef’s Additions

  • •6 whole Dried Kashmiri red chilies, stems intact
  • •1 tsp Kewra water (pandanus extract) and 2 drops meetha matar
  • •1/2 tsp Freshly ground green cardamom and mace (javitri) powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

PREPARATION & METHOD

1
Step 1: Marinate Chicken in Curd & Aromatics

Toss chicken thighs with whisked curd, ginger-garlic paste, white pepper, and salt. Allow to tenderize for at least 30 minutes at cool room temperature.

2
Step 2: Temper Whole Spices in Pure Ghee

Heat cow ghee in a deep pan. Bloom green cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and whole dried red chilies until fragrant without scorching.

3
Step 3: Slow Braise with Nut Pastes

Add marinated chicken and cook over gentle heat. Whisk in poppy seed and cashew nut pastes, cover, and braise on low for 25 minutes until chicken is fork-tender.

4
Step 4: Infuse Royal Floral Essence

Stir in kewra water and mace powder. Cover with a tight lid off heat for 5 minutes to trap the royal floral aromas before serving with roomali roti.

Beverage Pairing

Gewürztraminer / Cardamom Sweet Lassi

An aromatic, floral dry Gewürztraminer mirrors the delicate kewra and mace aromas while cutting through lush cashew-curd richness.

Culinary Science Insight

Lipid Emulsification & Curd Stability

Introducing finely pureed poppy seeds and cashew paste coats curd proteins, stabilizing dairy emulsions against thermal splitting.