Chicken roast in bengali style

### **Bengali Style Chicken Roast Recipe** 🍗🔥

Bengali-style chicken roast is a **rich, aromatic, and flavorful dish** often served at weddings, special occasions, and festivals. The slow-cooked chicken in a **thick, mildly sweet, and spicy gravy** makes it a true delicacy. Let's dive into the traditional recipe!

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### **Ingredients:**

#### **For Marination:**
- 1 kg chicken (bone-in, medium pieces)
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste

#### **For Cooking:**
- 3 tbsp mustard oil or ghee
- 2 onions (thinly sliced)
- 2 bay leaves
- 3-4 green cardamoms
- 2-3 cloves
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg powder (optional, for aroma)
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup tomato puree
- 1/2 cup milk
- 10-12 cashews (soaked & blended into a paste)
- 1 tbsp kewra water (optional, for royal aroma)
- 1 tbsp rose water (optional)
- 2 tbsp raisins (optional, for mild sweetness)
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

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### **Instructions:**

#### **Step 1: Marinate the Chicken**
1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt.
2. Coat the chicken pieces well and marinate for at least **2-3 hours** (preferably overnight for best flavors).

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#### **Step 2: Prepare the Base**
3. Heat **mustard oil/ghee** in a deep pan or kadhai until slightly smoky.
4. Add **bay leaves, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and sugar**. Let the sugar caramelize slightly for a rich color.
5. Add **sliced onions** and fry until golden brown.

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#### **Step 3: Cook the Chicken**
6. Add the marinated chicken and cook on **medium-high heat** for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Lower the flame and add **tomato puree**. Cook until the oil starts separating.
8. Pour in the **milk and cashew paste** to give the gravy a rich, creamy texture.
9. Cover and simmer for **20-25 minutes** until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

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#### **Step 4: Final Touch**
10. Add **kewra water, rose water, and raisins**. Mix well and cook for another **2-3 minutes**.
11. Garnish with **fresh coriander leaves** and turn off the heat.

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### **Serving Suggestion:**
🔥 Serve hot with **Bengali-style Pulao, Luchi (deep-fried bread), or Paratha**.
🔥 Pairs wonderfully with a side of **cucumber salad and raita**.

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### **Tips for Authentic Bengali Flavor:**
✅ **Use mustard oil for an authentic Bengali taste.**
✅ **Slow-cook the chicken** for deep, rich flavors.
✅ **Adding a bit of sugar balances the spices beautifully.**
✅ **Overnight marination enhances the taste significantly.**

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💛 **Enjoy this royal Bengali Chicken Roast at home and impress your family with its rich aroma and melt-in-the-mouth texture!** 😋🔥