Bengali Non Veg Recipe PDF Guide for Authentic Flavors

Updated On: October 5, 2025

Bengali cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and aromatic spices, especially when it comes to non-vegetarian dishes. Whether it’s succulent fish cooked in mustard oil or tender mutton simmered with traditional spices, Bengali non-veg recipes bring a unique blend of taste and heritage to your dining table.

These recipes are not only steeped in history but also incredibly satisfying and comforting. Today, we’re diving into some authentic Bengali non-vegetarian recipes that you can easily follow, save as a PDF, and cherish forever.

From the tangy and spicy to the mildly sweet and fragrant, these dishes will surely elevate your culinary repertoire.

If you’ve ever wondered how to recreate the magic of Bengali non-veg dishes in your own kitchen, this guide is for you. We’ll walk through ingredients, equipment, step-by-step cooking instructions, tips, and more so you can master these wonderful recipes with confidence.

Plus, I’ll share links to other exciting recipes that complement Bengali flavors perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bengali non-vegetarian recipes are a celebration of bold spices, fresh herbs, and vibrant flavors. They balance heat, sweetness, and tanginess in a way that’s truly special.

The use of mustard oil, mustard seeds, and panch phoron (a five-spice blend) lends an unmistakable aroma and depth to the dishes.

What makes these recipes stand out is their versatility – you can use fish, chicken, mutton, or even prawns to create dishes that cater to every taste preference. Moreover, these recipes are great for both everyday meals and festive occasions.

They are hearty yet elegant, making them perfect for impressing guests or treating your family to something extraordinary.

Finally, the recipes are straightforward and use accessible ingredients, so you don’t need to be a professional chef to enjoy authentic Bengali flavors at home.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity Notes
Chicken (cut into pieces) 1 kg Preferably skinless for a lighter dish
Mustard oil 4 tablespoons Essential for authentic flavor
Onions (finely sliced) 2 medium
Ginger paste 1 tablespoon Freshly ground preferred
Garlic paste 1 tablespoon
Turmeric powder 1 teaspoon
Red chili powder 1 teaspoon Adjust to taste
Cumin powder 1 teaspoon
Coriander powder 1 teaspoon
Yogurt (whisked) ½ cup Helps tenderize chicken
Whole garam masala 1 teaspoon Cinnamon stick, bay leaf, cardamom
Green chilies (slit) 2-3 Optional
Salt To taste
Fresh coriander leaves (chopped) 2 tablespoons For garnish
Water As required

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai
  • Sharp knife and chopping board
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wooden spatula or cooking spoon
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Serving plate

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with half the turmeric powder, salt, and whisked yogurt. Mix well and set aside for 30-45 minutes to tenderize and absorb flavors.
  2. Prepare the spices: Heat mustard oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat until it starts smoking lightly (this removes pungency).
  3. Add whole garam masala: Toss in the cinnamon stick, bay leaf, and cardamom pods. Sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  4. Sauté onions: Add the sliced onions and cook until golden brown, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  5. Add ginger and garlic paste: Mix in the ginger and garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
  6. Spice it up: Add the remaining turmeric, red chili powder, cumin powder, and coriander powder. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to roast the spices well.
  7. Cook the chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken with the spice mixture. Cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Add water: Pour in about 1 cup of water (adjust depending on desired curry consistency). Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  9. Adjust seasoning and add green chilies: Check salt and spice levels, then add slit green chilies for extra heat if desired.
  10. Finish and garnish: Once the curry thickens to your liking, turn off the heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped coriander leaves on top before serving.

Tips & Variations

“For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking.”

Use mustard seeds or mustard paste: Some Bengali non-veg recipes call for mustard seeds or mustard paste to give the curry a sharper edge. You can grind 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds with green chilies and add it to the curry for an authentic kick.

Substitute protein: Try this recipe with prawns, fish (like hilsa or rohu), or mutton. Adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.

Make it spicier: Increase the quantity of red chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Vegetables and sides: Add potatoes or eggplants to the curry for added texture and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (approx.)
Calories 350 kcal
Protein 35 g
Fat 20 g
Carbohydrates 8 g
Fiber 2 g
Sodium 600 mg

Serving Suggestions

This Bengali chicken curry pairs wonderfully with steamed basmati rice or Kosher Sushi Salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also serve it alongside traditional Bengali sides like luchi (fried flatbread) or aloo bharta (mashed potatoes with mustard oil and chili).

For a complete meal, complement this dish with a simple cucumber raita or a tangy salad to balance the rich flavors. If you love exploring diverse recipes, you might also enjoy the Kerala Fried Chicken Recipe for another regional take on non-veg delights.

Conclusion

Bengali non-vegetarian recipes offer a delicious gateway into one of India’s most cherished culinary traditions. By mastering just a few key techniques and ingredients, you can bring the magic of Bengal’s kitchens right to your own dining table.

Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a special dinner, these dishes never fail to impress with their balance of spices and flavors.

Remember, cooking is an art, and every attempt helps you personalize a recipe to your own taste. So don’t hesitate to experiment with spice levels or proteins and make this recipe your own.

For more inspiring dishes, check out the Lump Of Coal Recipe or the delightful Marzipan Challah Recipe. Happy cooking and enjoy your Bengali feast!

📖 Recipe Card: Bengali Chicken Curry

Description: A flavorful Bengali non-vegetarian chicken curry with traditional spices and mustard oil. Perfect for a hearty meal served with steamed rice.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
  • 3 tbsp mustard oil
  • 2 large onions, finely sliced
  • 2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 3 green chilies, slit
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 2 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tbsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 cup yogurt, beaten
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat mustard oil in a pan until smoking, then reduce heat.
  2. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
  3. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, cook for 2 minutes.
  4. Add turmeric, chili, coriander, and cumin powders; cook spices for 1 minute.
  5. Add chicken pieces and salt; cook until chicken changes color.
  6. Mix in beaten yogurt and cook on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 35 g | Fat: 20 g | Carbs: 8 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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