Bengali Chicken Kalia
Bengali Chicken Kalia is a traditional chicken curry hailing from the rich culinary heritage of Bengal, India. This dish is characterized by its aromatic spices, tender chicken, and a delightful blend of flavors that evoke the essence of Bengali home cooking. The use of ghee adds a rich depth, while the medley of spices, including cloves, cardamom, and turmeric, creates a gently spiced yet comforting curry. Perfectly paired with long-grain rice, Bengali Chicken Kalia is not just a meal, but a warm hug on a plate, making it ideal for gatherings or family dinners.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken
1 (cut into pieces)
ghee
1/4 cup (or shortening)
onion
1 (diced)
ground ginger
1 teaspoon
ground garlic
1 teaspoon
ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon
ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon
ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon
ground turmeric
1 teaspoon
ground coriander
1 teaspoon
chili powder
2 teaspoons
water
1 cup
diced tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can
long grain rice
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
Start by cutting the chicken into serving pieces, making sure to include thighs, drumsticks, and wings.
2
In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and starts to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the ground ginger and garlic, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4
Add the ground cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, coriander, and chili powder to the pan. Cook for about 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom and infuse the ghee.
5
Add the chicken pieces to the pan and sear them until they are browned on all sides, approximately 8-10 minutes.
6
Pour in the water and add the can of diced tomatoes (with juices). Stir to combine, then cover the pan and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
7
After the chicken is cooked, add the long grain rice, stir gently, and cover the pan again. Simmer for an additional 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the flavors of the curry and the broth.
8
Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and let it sit for another 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
Nutrition Information
16.7g
Fat
25g
Carbs
16.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bengali Chicken Kalia?
Bengali Chicken Kalia is a traditional chicken curry from Bengal, India, known for its aromatic spices, tender chicken, and rich depth from ghee.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include chicken, ghee (or shortening), onion, ginger, garlic, a variety of ground spices (cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, coriander, chili powder), tomatoes, and long grain rice.
How many calories are in a serving of Bengali Chicken Kalia?
There are 300 calories per serving of this dish.
What cuts of chicken are recommended?
The recipe suggests using a whole chicken cut into pieces, including thighs, drumsticks, and wings for the best flavor.
Can I substitute ghee with something else?
Yes, you can use shortening as a substitute for ghee if needed.
How long does the chicken need to simmer?
The chicken should simmer for 20-25 minutes until it is cooked through and tender before the rice is added.
Is Bengali Chicken Kalia spicy?
It is described as gently spiced and comforting, though it contains 2 teaspoons of chili powder which adds a moderate kick.
What type of rice is used in this dish?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of long grain rice.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
While the recipe calls for a 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes, fresh diced tomatoes can be used as a fresh alternative.
What spices provide the aromatic flavor?
The aromatic profile comes from a blend of ground cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, and coriander.
How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Searing the chicken first for 8-10 minutes and then simmering it in the tomato and spice mixture helps keep it tender.
Is the rice cooked separately?
No, the long grain rice is added directly into the pan with the chicken and broth to absorb all the flavors.
What is the protein content of this meal?
Each serving contains 16.7g of protein.
Why is ghee used in this curry?
Ghee is used to add a rich depth of flavor and to help the spices bloom during the cooking process.
How long does the rice take to cook in the curry?
The rice takes approximately 20 minutes to simmer and become tender.
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken, though traditional Kalia often uses bone-in pieces for more flavor.
What is the best way to garnish this dish?
Garnishing with fresh cilantro is recommended to add a touch of freshness to the rich curry.
What is the origin of Chicken Kalia?
It is a traditional dish hailing from the rich culinary heritage of Bengal, India.
How much fat is in this dish?
There is 16.7g of fat per serving.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The nutritional data provided does not list a specific fiber content.
Can I use fresh ginger and garlic paste?
Yes, you can substitute the ground ginger and garlic with fresh paste for a more intense flavor.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 14 ingredients listed for this recipe.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
How should the onions be prepared?
The onions should be diced and sautéed for 5-7 minutes until they are translucent and begin to caramelize.
At what point are the ground spices added?
Spices are added after the ginger and garlic have been cooked for 1-2 minutes, allowing them to bloom in the ghee.
Should the chicken be browned before simmering?
Yes, you should sear the chicken pieces for 8-10 minutes until they are browned on all sides.
How long should the dish rest after cooking?
It is recommended to let the dish sit for about 5 minutes after fluffing the rice before serving.
Can I adjust the heat of the curry?
Yes, you can increase or decrease the 2 teaspoons of chili powder to suit your spice tolerance.
What is the total simmering time for the rice?
The rice simmers for 20 minutes after being added to the chicken.
Is this dish suitable for family dinners?
Yes, its comforting nature and one-pot preparation make it ideal for family gatherings or dinners.