Steamed Chicken with Date Palm Jaggery and Green Chilies: A Unique Bengali Fusion Appetizer
1 hour 35 minutes
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About Steamed Chicken with Date Palm Jaggery and Green Chilies: A Unique Bengali Fusion Appetizer
Prepare your palate for an explosion of flavor! This Steamed Chicken with Date Palm Jaggery and Green Chilies is a unique Bengali-inspired appetizer that beautifully marries sweet and spicy.Tender chicken is infused with the rich, caramel-like notes of date palm jaggery (Nolen Gur) and balanced by the vibrant kick of green chilies. Steaming in banana leaves imparts an earthy aroma and locks in moisture, creating a truly succulent dish.This unexpected yet harmonious blend of flavors is a guaranteed taste bud tantalizer. Get ready to be captivated!
Recipe Time & More
Prep1 hour
Cook35 minutes
Total1 hour 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 Boneless, Chicken Breast cut into 3 thin slices, skinless
- 5 Tbsp Greek Yogurt
- 2 Tbsp Heavy Cream
- 1-2 tsp Salt or to taste
- 3 Tbsp Chili Paste green
For the Date Palm Jaggery Mixture
- 1 Tbsp Tamarind Pulp
- 5 Tbsp Date Palm Jaggery nolen gur
- 5 Tbsp Neutral Oil such as vegetable or canola
For Assembly
- 3 Banana Leaves large enough to wrap chicken pieces
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the chicken slices, Greek yogurt, heavy cream, salt, and green chili paste. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
- In a small saucepan, combine the tamarind pulp with a splash of water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the mixture slightly reduces and thickens. This concentrates the tamarind's tangy flavor. Stir in the date palm jaggery and cook until it melts completely, creating a smooth syrup.
- Pour the date palm jaggery mixture over the marinated chicken. Add the oil and mix thoroughly to ensure the chicken is well coated. This second marination adds a layer of sweetness and richness.
- Cut the banana leaves into squares large enough to wrap each chicken slice. Place a chicken slice in the center of each banana leaf square. Fold the leaves over the chicken to create a sealed parcel. This helps to retain moisture and infuse the chicken with a subtle, earthy aroma. Place the banana leaf parcels in a steamer basket set over boiling water. Cover and steam for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Carefully remove the steamed chicken parcels from the steamer. Unwrap the banana leaves and serve the chicken immediately. The chicken will be infused with the fragrant sweetness of the date palm jaggery and the spicy kick of green chilies.
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips
- For a richer flavor, consider using bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless, skinless breasts.
- Adjust the spices to your liking. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a brighter flavor.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when browning the chicken. This will ensure the chicken cooks evenly and gets a nice crust.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 415kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 889mgPotassium: 230mgFiber: 1gSugar: 29gVitamin A: 163IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 57mgIron: 1mg
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Looks so flavorful! Thanks for posting.
Such a tempting dish! Thank you.
What a flavorful dish! Thanks for sharing.