Bengali Chicken curry

 


Traditional Bengali Chicken Curry (Murgir Jhol)

Bengali Chicken Curry, or Murgir Jhol, is a comforting, aromatic dish made with tender chicken, potatoes, and a flavorful blend of Bengali spices. It's a beloved staple in Bengali households, often served with steamed rice for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 kg chicken (bone-in, cut into medium pieces)
  • 2 large potatoes, peeled and halved
  • 2 onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt (optional)
  • 1/4 cup mustard oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 2–3 bay leaves
  • 4–5 green cardamoms
  • 4–5 cloves
  • 1 small stick cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat mustard oil in a deep pan until it starts to smoke lightly. Add bay leaves, cardamoms, cloves, and cinnamon. Let them sizzle for a few seconds.
  2. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
  3. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2–3 minutes until raw smell disappears.
  4. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft and the oil starts to separate.
  5. Mix in turmeric, chili powder, cumin, and coriander powders. Stir well.
  6. Add chicken pieces and coat with the masala. Cook on medium-high heat for 8–10 minutes until the chicken starts to brown slightly.
  7. Optional: Add yogurt and mix well for extra richness.
  8. Add potatoes and enough water to cover the chicken. Add salt to taste.
  9. Cover and cook on medium heat for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken and potatoes are tender.
  10. Uncover and simmer for a few more minutes to thicken the gravy if needed.
  11. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed rice.

Tips & Variations

  • Mustard oil gives the authentic Bengali flavor. Heat it properly to remove pungency.
  • You can add green chilies for extra heat while serving.
  • To make it richer, you may add a bit of garam masala at the end.

Why You'll Love It

This Bengali Chicken Curry is hearty, flavorful, and comforting. It brings together warm spices and tender chicken in a way that makes every bite satisfying and nostalgic. A perfect weekend meal for your whole family!

Give it a try and enjoy a taste of Bengal in your own kitchen!

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