Natasha Gandhi's Royal Bhopali Chicken Rezala Recipe: A Culinary Journey from Lucknow to Bhopal

Natasha Gandhi, known for her delicious recipes, presents a mouth-watering dish that has made its journey from Lucknow to Kolkata and finally became a beloved staple in Bhopal - the Bhopali Chicken Rezala. This dish has a rich history, starting with Wajid Ali Shah's relocation to Kolkata and the adaptation of the recipe to suit his spice tolerance. The Begum of Bhopal further modified it by adding coriander, making it not only flavorful but also beneficial for the gut. Let's dive into the recipe for this royal and aromatic dish.

The Recipe for Bhopali Chicken Rezala

Ingredients for Bhopali Chicken Rezala

•  1 kg chicken
•  2 tbsp ginger garlic paste
•  2-3 green chillies, chopped (plus more for cooking)
•  1 tsp turmeric powder (plus more for cooking)
•  Salt, to taste
•  4 tbsp ghee, divided
•  4-5 green cardamom pods
•  1-inch cinnamon stick
•  1 bay leaf
•  1 tsp cumin seeds
•  1 cup onion paste
•  1/2 cup + extra for garnish chopped coriander leaves
•  1 tsp red chilli powder
•  2 tsp coriander powder
•  1 cup water
•  1/2 cup yogurt
•  1 tbsp fried onion paste
•  1 tbsp cashew paste
•  1/2 tsp black cardamom and black peppercorn powder, mixed

Garnish:

•  Chopped coriander leaves
•  Boiled egg (optional)
•  Tandoori roti (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Marinate the Chicken: Combine chicken with ginger garlic paste, chopped green chillies, turmeric powder, salt, and 2 tablespoons of ghee. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
• Prepare the Spice Base: Heat the remaining ghee and sauté green cardamom, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, and cumin seeds until aromatic.
• Cook the Onion Paste: Add onion paste and chopped coriander leaves, cooking until golden brown.
• Add the Chicken: Incorporate the marinated chicken and additional spices. Cook until lightly browned.
• Simmer: Add water and bring to a boil. Mix in yoghurt and cook until the chicken is done.
• Final Touches: Add fried onion paste and cashew paste. Sprinkle black cardamom and black peppercorn powder.
• Serve: Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and optionally serve with boiled egg and tandoori roti.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Natasha Gandhi (@natashaagandhi)

Natasha Gandhi's Bhopali Chicken Rezala is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of India, blending flavours from different regions to create a dish that is both delicious and comforting. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a food lover, this recipe is sure to impress and transport you to the royal kitchens of Bhopal.