Name: Bengali Style Duck Curry (Hasher Mangsho Kosha)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 1 kg Duck Meat ((cut and cleaned)); 2 pieces Onion ((finely sliced)); 1 tablespoon Turmeric Powder; 1 tablespoon Red Chili Powder; 1 tablespoon Kashmiri Red Chili Powder; 1 tablespoon Coriander Powder; 1 tablespoon Cumin Powder; 3 tablespoons Mustard Oil; 1 tablespoon Cumin Seed; 1 tablespoon Coriander Seed; 2 pieces Bay Leaves; 2 pieces Cinnamon Stick; 4 pieces Green Cardamom; 9 pieces Black Pepper; Salt to Taste; 1½ inch Ginger ((pasted)); 2 pieces Garlic ((pasted)); 7 pieces Red chilli ((pasted))

5 from 1 vote

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Bengali Style Duck Curry, also known as Hasher Mangsho Kosha, is a popular and flavorful dish from the culinary traditions of Bengal, a region in eastern India.

This dish showcases the rich and aromatic flavors of slow-cooked hasher mangsho (duct meat) that are enhanced by a medley of spices and herbs.

The key to achieving the depth of flavors in Hasher Mangsho Kosha lies in patiently cooking the duck meat over a low flame until it becomes tender and succulent.

This slow-cooking process allows the spices and ingredients to infuse the duck meat, resulting in a dish that is rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways:

Bengali Style Duck Curry is a popular and flavorful dish from Bengal, known for its rich and aromatic flavors.

Slow-cooking the duck meat is crucial to achieving tender and succulent results, allowing the flavors to infuse and develop.
The use of whole and ground spices adds depth and fragrance to the curry, while traditional Bengali spices contribute to its authentic taste.
Bengali Style Duck Curry pairs well with steamed rice, Bengali pulao, luchi, paratha, or roti for a complete and satisfying meal.

The curry offers a rich, spicy, earthy, and savory taste with balanced heat, showcasing the unique flavors of duck meat and the aromatic spices of Bengali cuisine.

The Ingredients:

Duck Meat: 1 kg (cut and cleaned)

Onions: 2 big size (finely sliced)
Ginger-Garlic-Dry Chili Paste Prepared with 1.5 inch Ginger, 2 Garlic and 7 Red Chilis
Turmeric Powder: 1 tbl spoon

Red Chili Powder: 1 tbl spoon
Kashmiri Red Chili Powder: 1 tbl spoon
Coriander Powder: 1 tbl spoon

Cumin Powder: 1 tbl spoon
Mustard Oil: 3 tbl spoons
Whole Spices: Cumin Seeds: 1 tbl sp, Coriander Seeds: 1 tbl sp, Bay Leaves: 2, Cinnamon Sticks: 2, Green Cardamom: 4, Black Pepper: 8-9

Salt to Taste

How to Cook Bengali Style Duck Curry (Step by Step Images?

1. Fire up the earthen stove.

2. Heat a cooking pan and dry roast the whole spices (coriander seeds, cinnamon sticks, green cardamom and black pepper). Take them out when they release fragrance. Grind them in a mixer or on sil batta (grinding stone).

3. Pour mustard oil into the wok.

4. Add bay leaves and cumin seeds. Give them a good stir.

5. When cumin seeds start spluttering, add finely sliced onion. Sprinkle some salt. Fry until the onion turns golden brown.

6. Add ginger-garlic-dry chili paste. Stir well.

7. After the raw flavor go away, add turmeric powder, red chili powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, coriander powder and cumin powder. Stir for 2 minutes.

8. Add a little bit of water. Continue stirring until a thick paste-like texture is formed.

9. Add duck meat pieces. Mix well. Add a little amount of salt.

10. Place a lid on the pan. Meat will release water. Let it boil in its own water for 10 minutes until the water gets dried.

11. Remove the lid. Add 6 cups of warm water. You can add more water if required. Duck meat takes time to boil. Cook for 20-25 minutes.

12. Meanwhile, mix the already grinded whole spices with a little amount of water and make a thick paste. When water gets reduced to half, add the thick paste and mix well.

13. Cook for another 5 minutes. Bengali Style Duck Curry is ready.

14. Pour the Bengali Style Duck Curry into a bowl. It will take 50-60 minutes to prepare the dish.

Pro Tips for Cooking Bengali Style Duck Curry

Choose Fresh and Tender Duck: When preparing Bengali Style Duck Curry, it’s essential to select fresh and tender duck meat. Look for meat that is pinkish and firm, without any unpleasant odor. Fresh duck meat ensures better taste and texture in the final dish.

Marinate the Duck (OPTIONAL): Marinating the duck in a yogurt-based mixture with spices is an important step in this recipe. The marinade helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavors. Allow the duck to marinate for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight if possible, to maximize the flavor.

Slow-Cook for Enhanced Flavor: The key to achieving the rich and aromatic flavors in Bengali Style Duck Curry is slow-cooking. Cook the marinated duck on low heat to allow the spices and ingredients to meld together and develop a deep flavor profile. This slow-cooking process also helps tenderize the meat, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Use Authentic Bengali Spices: To capture the authentic flavors of Bengali cuisine, it’s important to use the traditional spices that are commonly found in the region. Key spices include cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, bay leaves, cumin, coriander, and red chili powder. Using high-quality and freshly ground spices will enhance the overall taste of the curry.

Adjust the Spice Level: Bengali Style Duck Curry can be customized to suit your spice preferences. If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the amount of red chili powder or use a mild variety. Conversely, if you enjoy spicier dishes, increase the amount of red chili powder or add a dash of chili flakes for an extra kick.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs (OPTIONAL): Just before serving, garnish the Bengali Style Duck Curry with fresh coriander leaves (cilantro) for a burst of freshness and added aroma. The vibrant green color of the herbs will also enhance the visual appeal of the dish.

Allow Resting Time: Once the curry is cooked, allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

By following these pro tips, you can elevate your cooking and achieve an authentic and delicious Bengali Style Duck Curry that will impress your family and friends.

What to Serve with Bengali Style Duck Curry?

Bengali Style Duck Curry pairs well with a variety of traditional Bengali accompaniments that complement its rich flavors. Here are some popular options to serve alongside the curry:

Steamed Basmati Rice: The fragrant and fluffy texture of steamed basmati rice is a classic choice to serve with Bengali Style Duck Curry. The rice acts as a neutral base that absorbs the flavorful curry and provides a satisfying and filling combination.

Bengali Pulao: Bengali-style pulao is a fragrant rice dish cooked with whole spices, ghee (clarified butter), and sometimes mixed with vegetables like peas and carrots. This aromatic rice preparation adds an extra layer of flavor to the duck curry and creates a harmonious balance.

Luchi: Luchi is a deep-fried, puffed bread made from refined flour (maida). It is a popular choice to accompany rich curries in Bengali cuisine. The light and airy texture of luchi complements the robust flavors of the duck curry and adds a delightful crunch.

Paratha: Paratha is another versatile Indian bread that goes well with Bengali Style Duck Curry. Whether it’s plain paratha or stuffed paratha with fillings like potato, onion, or paneer, the flaky and slightly crispy bread provides a satisfying contrast to the curry.

Roti: Soft and freshly made rotis, which are whole wheat flatbreads, can also be served alongside the duck curry. The neutral taste of rotis allows the flavors of the curry to shine, and their soft texture makes them perfect for scooping up the delicious gravy.

Enjoy your Bengali Style Duck Curry with these delicious accompaniments for a complete and satisfying culinary experience.

How Does Bengali Style Duck Curry Taste?

Here’s a description of the taste profile of this delicious dish:

Rich and Spicy: Bengali Style Duck Curry is characterized by its deep, robust flavors. The combination of aromatic spices, slow cooking, and the intensity of the duck meat creates a rich and spicy taste. The curry is typically well-seasoned with a blend of spices that adds warmth and complexity to the dish.

Earthy and Fragrant: The curry often incorporates a medley of earthy spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon. These spices lend a delightful fragrance to the dish, making it inviting and aromatic. The earthiness of the spices balances out the gaminess of the duck meat.

Full-bodied and Savory: Duck meat itself has a rich and full-bodied flavor, and when combined with the spices and slow-cooked in the curry, it becomes tender and succulent. The curry develops a depth of flavors, creating a savory and satisfying taste experience.

Well-balanced Heat: Bengali Style Duck Curry typically has a moderate level of spiciness. The heat level can be adjusted to personal preference, but it is usually balanced to allow the other flavors to shine through. The spices provide a gentle heat that enhances the overall taste without overwhelming the palate.

Umami and Gamey: Duck meat has a distinct flavor that can be described as slightly gamey and rich in umami. This unique characteristic adds depth to the curry and contributes to its overall taste profile. The umami notes complement the spices and create a complex and enjoyable flavor experience.

Overall, Bengali Style Duck Curry offers a harmonious blend of spices, richness, tanginess, and a touch of heat. It is a dish that tantalizes the taste buds with its robust flavors and leaves a lasting impression.

Bengali Style Duck Curry Alternatives

If you’re looking for alternatives to Bengali Style Duck Curry, here are a few options that you might consider:

Chicken Curry: If duck is not readily available or you prefer a milder flavor, you can prepare a classic Bengali Chicken Curry. It follows a similar cooking process, using bone-in chicken pieces cooked in a flavorful blend of spices and a rich gravy.

Mutton Curry: Another popular alternative is Mutton Curry, which features tender pieces of goat or lamb cooked in a flavorful curry base. It offers a rich and hearty taste, perfect for those who enjoy the robust flavors of red meat.

Fish Curry: Bengali cuisine is famous for its delicious fish curries, particularly with freshwater fish like Rohu or Hilsa. You can explore various fish curry recipes that incorporate a similar blend of spices and tangy flavors to create a mouthwatering dish.

Vegetable Curry: For vegetarian or vegan options, you can make a Bengali-style vegetable curry using a variety of seasonal vegetables. The curry can be prepared with a similar spice blend, and you can enhance the flavors by adding ingredients like potatoes, cauliflower, eggplant, or pumpkin.

Paneer Curry: Paneer, a type of Indian cottage cheese, can be used as a substitute for meat in curries. You can create a delicious Bengali-style Paneer Curry, where the paneer cubes are cooked in a flavorful gravy enriched with spices and creamy elements.

Remember, while these alternatives may not replicate the exact taste and texture of Bengali Style Duck Curry, they provide a variety of options to suit different dietary preferences and culinary preferences.