Welcome to the culinary wonders of Bhutan, where tradition and flavor converge in a delightful dance on the taste buds. In the heart of Bhutanese cuisine lies a dish that embodies the country's rich cultural heritage and vibrant palate – Jasha Maroo. This tantalizing spicy chicken stew is a culinary masterpiece, balancing heat, spice, and a symphony of aromatic herbs to create a dish that reflects the soul of Bhutan.

Jasha Maroo, with its roots deeply embedded in Bhutanese tradition, brings together locally sourced ingredients, highlighting the unique flavors that define Bhutanese gastronomy. As we embark on this culinary journey, prepare to discover the secrets behind the preparation of Jasha Maroo – a dish that not only satisfies the appetite but also connects you with the spirit of Bhutanese hospitality and warmth. Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Bhutanese cuisine, where every bite tells a story of tradition, love, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.

Ingredients:

• 500g boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 3 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

Marinate the Chicken:In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with grated ginger, minced garlic, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Spice Mix:In a small bowl, combine cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. This will be your spice mix for the curry.

Cooking the Chicken:

1-Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

2-Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook until it turns brown on all sides.

Add Tomatoes and Spice Mix:

1-Once the chicken is browned, add the finely chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and the oil starts to separate.

2-Now, add the prepared spice mix to the pan. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.

Simmer and Cook:

1-Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the chicken simmer in its juices for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking to the bottom.

2-Check for the doneness of the chicken. It should be tender and cooked through.

Adjust Seasoning and Garnish:

1-Adjust salt and spice levels according to your taste preference.

2-Garnish the Jasha Maroo with chopped green chilies and fresh coriander leaves.

Serve:Your Bhutanese Jasha Maroo is ready to be served! Enjoy it with steamed rice or traditional Bhutanese red rice for an authentic experience.

This spicy chicken curry encapsulates the essence of Bhutanese cuisine, offering a flavorful and aromatic journey with every bite.

Nutritional Values:

While it's challenging to provide exact nutritional values without specific brands and quantities, here's an approximate breakdown for the listed ingredients based on standard nutritional databases:

Per 100g of each ingredient:

Boneless Chicken:

• Calories: 165 kcal
• Protein: 31g
• Fat: 3.6g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Rich in protein for muscle growth and repair.
• Contains essential vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, phosphorus, and selenium.

Onions:

• Calories: 40 kcal
• Protein: 1.1g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 9.3g
• Fiber: 1.7g

benefits:

• Source of antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation.
• Provides fiber for digestive health.
• Contains vitamin C, supporting the immune system.

Tomatoes:

• Calories: 18 kcal
• Protein: 0.9g
• Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 3.9g
• Fiber: 1.2g

benefits:

• High in antioxidants, particularly lycopene, known for its potential health benefits.
• Good source of vitamins A, C, and potassium.
• Supports heart health and may lower the risk of certain cancers.

Garlic:

• Calories: 149 kcal
• Protein: 6.4g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 33.1g
• Fiber: 2.1g

benefits:

• Possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
• May help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Contains antioxidants that contribute to overall health.

Ginger:

• Calories: 80 kcal
• Protein: 1.8g
• Fat: 0.8g
• Carbohydrates: 17.8g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• Anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce muscle pain and soreness.
• Aids digestion and alleviates nausea.
• Contains antioxidants that may boost the immune system.

Green Chilies:

• Calories: 40 kcal
• Protein: 1.9g
• Fat: 0.4g
• Carbohydrates: 8.8g
• Fiber: 2.8g

benefits:

• Capsaicin in chilies may boost metabolism and aid in weight loss.
• Contains vitamin C for immune support.
• Provides a natural source of heat and flavor.

Turmeric Powder (1 tsp):

• Calories: 9 kcal
• Protein: 0.2g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 1.7g
• Fiber: 0.5g

benefits:

• Powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Contains curcumin, known for potential health benefits.
• May contribute to heart health and joint function.

Cumin Powder (1 tsp):

• Calories: 8 kcal
• Protein: 0.4g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 0.9g
• Fiber: 0.1g

benefits:

• Supports digestion and helps prevent constipation.
• Contains antioxidants that may have anti-inflammatory effects.
• May help with weight loss and improve blood cholesterol.

Coriander Powder (1 tsp):

• Calories: 5 kcal
• Protein: 0.2g
• Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0.6g

benefits:

• Provides dietary fiber for digestive health.
• Contains antioxidants with potential health benefits.
• Adds a unique flavor and aroma to dishes.

Red Chili Powder (1 tsp):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Protein: 0.3g
• Fat: 0.3g
• Carbohydrates: 1.3g
• Fiber: 0.6g

benefits:

• Contains capsaicin, which may aid metabolism and reduce appetite.
• Provides a boost to the immune system with its vitamin C content.
• Adds spice and heat to dishes.

Garam Masala (1 tsp):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Protein: 0.3g
• Fat: 0.3g
• Carbohydrates: 1.3g
• Fiber: 0.6g

benefits:

• Contains a mix of spices with potential antioxidant properties.
• May aid digestion and provide warmth to the body.
• Adds depth of flavor to the dish.

Vegetable Oil (3 tbsp):

• Calories: 360 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 41g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• A source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
• Provides energy and supports the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
• Adds richness and moisture to the dish.

Fresh Coriander Leaves:

• Calories: 23 kcal
• Protein: 2.1g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 2.8g

benefits:

• Rich in vitamins A, C, and K.
• Contains antioxidants that may have anti-inflammatory effects.
• Adds freshness and a burst of flavor to the dish.

Note:

• The values provided are general estimates and can vary based on the specific product and its preparation.
• It's important to adjust the serving sizes and quantities based on your dietary needs and preferences.