Description
Chicken Choila is a popular dish hailing from the Newari community of Nepal, renowned for its bold flavors and spicy kick. It’s a type of grilled or roasted chicken dish that is marinated with a potent mixture of spices, herbs, and mustard oil, then cooked over an open flame to perfection.
To prepare Chicken Choila, start by marinating chicken pieces with a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, ginger, garlic, and mustard oil. The marinade is left to infuse the chicken for several hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.
Once marinated, the chicken is grilled or roasted until cooked through and slightly charred, imparting a smoky aroma and enhancing its flavor profile. It’s crucial to ensure that the chicken is tender and juicy while retaining its aromatic essence.
After cooking, the chicken is typically chopped into bite-sized pieces and served with beaten rice (baji) or alongside traditional Newari accompaniments like roasted beaten rice (chiura), pickles, and a spicy tomato-based sauce known as “achaar.”
Chicken Choila is a favorite dish during festivals, celebrations, and gatherings in Nepal, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the Newari culture and delighting food enthusiasts with its robust flavors and satisfying texture.
