How to Cook Beef Rezala: A Delightful Recipe for Meat Lovers
Beef rezala is a delicious and aromatic Bengali dish that combines tender beef with a rich and creamy gravy. If you’re wondering how to cook beef rezala, look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of preparing this flavorful dish in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, our easy-to-follow instructions will help you create an authentic and mouthwatering beef rezala that will impress your family and friends. So put on your apron and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
To cook beef rezala, you will need the following ingredients:
- Beef: 500 grams
- Yogurt: 1 cup
- Onion paste: 2 tablespoons
- Ginger paste: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic paste: 1 tablespoon
- Green chili paste: 1 teaspoon (adjust according to your preference)
- Ghee or clarified butter: 4 tablespoons
- Bay leaf: 2 pieces
- Cinnamon stick: 1 inch piece
- Cardamom pods: 3-4
11.Cloves :5-6 cloves
12.Turmeric powder : a pinch
13.Red chili powder : half teaspoon
14.Salt : as per taste
15.Sugar : half teaspoon
16.Rose water : few drops
17.Kewra water (screw pine essence): few drops
18.Cashew nuts and raisins (optional)
| Quantity | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| 500 grams | Beef |
| 1 cup | Yogurt |
| 2 tablespoons | Onion paste |
| 1 tablespoon | Ginger paste |
| 1 tablespoon | Garlic paste |
| 1 teaspoon | Green chili paste |
| (adjust according to your preference) |
Note: Adjust the quantity of green chili as per your spice tolerance.
In addition to these main ingredients, you can also add cashew nuts and raisins for added flavor and texture if desired.
Make sure to gather all these ingredients before starting with the cooking process for a smooth cooking experience!
Marinating the Beef
Marinating the beef is a crucial step in preparing a flavorful and tender beef rezala. Follow these steps to marinate your beef effectively:
- Choose the right cut of beef: Opt for cuts like boneless chuck or sirloin, which are ideal for slow-cooking methods like rezala.
- Cut the beef into cubes: Trim any excess fat and cut the meat into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniformity in size for even cooking.
- Prepare the marinade:
- In a bowl, combine 1 cup of plain yogurt (preferably Greek yogurt), 2 tablespoons of ginger-garlic paste, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, and salt to taste.
- Add spices such as 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder, 2 teaspoons of cumin powder, 1 teaspoon each of coriander powder and red chili powder to enhance flavor.
- Coat the beef with marinade: Place the cubed beef into a ziplock bag or a deep container with a lid. Pour the prepared marinade over it.
- Massage and mix well: Using clean hands or tongs, massage and mix the marinade thoroughly with the meat until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate: Seal the bag tightly or cover your container with cling film before placing it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight if possible. This allows ample time for flavors to infuse while tenderizing the meat.
It’s important not to rush through marination as this process helps break down tough fibers resulting in succulent and flavorful meat when cooked.
Remember that marinated meats should always be stored in refrigeration during this waiting period.
Once you have successfully completed marinating your beef following these steps, you can proceed to cook deliciously aromatic Beef Rezala!
Preparing the Spices
To cook a delicious beef rezala, it’s essential to prepare the spices properly. The right combination of spices will enhance the flavor and aroma of this traditional Bengali dish. Here’s how you can get started:
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Gather all the necessary spices: Before you begin, make sure you have all the required spices on hand. For beef rezala, you’ll need:
- Cinnamon sticks
- Green cardamom pods
- Cloves
- Bay leaves
- Nutmeg powder
- Mace (Javitri) powder
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Dry roast whole spices: Dry roasting enhances the flavors of certain spices and brings out their oils for a richer taste. Follow these steps:
i. Heat a pan over medium heat.
ii. Add cinnamon sticks, green cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaves to the dry pan.
iii. Gently roast them for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
iv. Remove from heat and let them cool.
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Grind roasted spices: After roasting your whole spices, it’s time to grind them into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
4. Measure nutmeg and mace: To ensure accuracy in measurements, use measuring spoons for nutmeg powder and mace (javitri) powder according to your recipe requirements.
5****. Incorporate ground an
Cooking the Rezala Gravy
To achieve the perfect flavor and consistency for your beef rezala, follow these steps to cook the savory gravy:
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Preparation:
- Heat a large cooking pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add ghee (clarified butter) or oil to the pot and let it melt.
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Tempering Spices:
- Once the ghee/oil is hot, add whole spices like cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaves.
- Stir them in the hot fat until they release their aroma.
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Onion-Ginger-Garlic Paste:
- Add finely chopped onions to the pot and sauté them until golden brown.
- Now add crushed ginger-garlic paste to enhance flavor.
- Continue stirring until both are cooked through.
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Ground Spice Mixture:
- Make a smooth paste by mixing together ground spices such as coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder (adjust according to taste), black pepper powder(optional), and salt.
- Add this spice mixture to the pot and mix well with onion-ginger-garlic paste.
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Yogurt Marinade:
- Take plain yogurt in a bowl; whisk it properly till smooth without any lumps.
- Gradually add this yogurt into spiced onion mixture while continuously stirring on low heat.
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Cooking Meat:
- Gently place marinated beef pieces into the pot along with any accumulated juices from marinade if available
- Increase heat slightly above medium-low; stir well so that meat gets coated evenly with masala
- Cook covered for about 1-2 hours or until beef becomes tender enough
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Fragrant Finish:
- Finally sprinkle some kewra water (screwpine essence) and rosewater to add a delightful fragrance.
- Give the rezala gravy a final stir and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
Remember, cooking times may vary based on the quality of your meat. Adjust seasoning according to taste preference. Now that you have prepared the rich and aromatic rezala gravy, proceed with adding other ingredients such as fried onions or saffron milk to complete your beef rezala dish. Enjoy!
Adding the Marinated Beef
To cook a delicious beef rezala, it is essential to add the marinated beef properly. Follow these steps to ensure that your dish turns out flavorful and tender:
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Prepare the marinated beef by combining the following ingredients in a bowl:
- 500 grams of boneless beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons of yogurt
- 1 tablespoon of ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon of garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
-
Mix all the ingredients well, ensuring that each piece of beef is coated with the marinade evenly.
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Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it marinate for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
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Once marinated, remove the bowl from the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before cooking.
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In a large pan or kadai, heat some oil over medium-high heat.
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Add whole spices such as cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaves to infuse flavor into the oil.
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Carefully add the marinated beef pieces into hot oil using tongs or a slotted spoon to avoid splattering.
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Sear each side of the beef until they turn brown and develop a caramelized crust.
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Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even browning on all sides.
10.Remove seared beef from heat once cooked thoroughly but still slightly pink in color inside (around 10-12 minutes).
11.Transfer cooked beef onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Now that you’ve successfully added your marinated beef for your ultimate Beef Rezala recipe base, proceed further with our instructions on how to prepare an exquisite gravy sauce packed with aromatic spices!
Simmering and Garnishing
Simmering is a crucial step in cooking beef rezala as it allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender. Here’s how you can simmer your beef rezala to perfection:
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Simmering the Beef:
- Place the marinated beef pieces in a deep-bottomed pan.
- Add water or broth until the meat is fully submerged.
- Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid.
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Cooking Time:
- Allow the beef rezala to simmer for about 1-2 hours, or until the meat becomes tender.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
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Adjusting Flavors:
- Taste-test your dish during simmering and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Add more salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference.
- Taste-test your dish during simmering and adjust seasonings if needed.
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Garnishing Options:
Enhance both presentation and taste by garnishing your beef rezala with these options:- Fresh coriander leaves (chopped)
- Fried onions (crispy brown)
- Sliced green chilies
- Ginger juliennes
- Ghee (clarified butter) drizzle
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Serving Suggestions:
Serve hot with steamed rice, naan bread, or parathas for a complete meal experience.
Remember that garnishing adds an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal but is not necessary if you prefer simplicity.
Enjoy your homemade delicious beef rezala!
Serving and enjoying
Here are some tips on how to serve and enjoy your delicious beef rezala:
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Garnish it right: Sprinkle some fresh coriander leaves or chopped cilantro over the beef rezala before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
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Accompaniments: Beef rezala goes well with various accompaniments, such as naan bread, roti, or steamed rice. You can choose whichever you prefer to complement the rich flavors of the dish.
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Side dishes: To create a complete meal, consider serving side dishes alongside your beef rezala. Some popular options include vegetable pulao, cucumber raita (yogurt dip), or mixed vegetable curry.
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Family-style presentation: Place the cooked beef rezala in a large serving bowl at the center of your dining table so that everyone can help themselves easily.
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Spice it up: If you prefer an extra kick of heat, serve sliced green chilies on the side for those who want to add more spice to their portion.
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Pairing suggestions: For a refreshing beverage pairing, try mint lemonade or mango lassi for a cooling effect against the spices in this dish.
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Savor every bite: Take time to appreciate each mouthful of tender meat and creamy sauce in every bite of your beef rezala. Allow yourself to fully experience all its flavors by eating slowly and savoring each delicious taste sensation.
Enjoy preparing and sharing this delectable Bengali delicacy with family and friends!
Conclusion
In conclusion, cooking beef rezala is a simple and flavorful process that can be enjoyed by anyone. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a delicious dish that will impress your family and friends.
Firstly, it’s important to choose the right cut of beef for rezala. Opt for tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye, which will result in melt-in-your-mouth meat. Marinating the beef with yogurt and spices not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat.
Next, cooking the beef in a rich and aromatic gravy is key to achieving an authentic rezala taste. The combination of fragrant spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg creates a tantalizing aroma that will fill your kitchen. Simmering the beef slowly allows all these flavors to infuse into every bite.
Lastly, garnishing your beef rezala with fried onions and fresh cilantro adds texture and freshness to the dish. Serve it hot with naan bread or steamed rice for a complete meal experience.
By mastering this traditional Bengali recipe for beef rezala, you’ll be able to enjoy restaurant-quality food right at home. So gather your ingredients and give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!