Jwanu Chicken

Jwanu Chicken Recipe - Nepali Food Recipes

Region / culture: Nepal | Preparation time: 25 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Jwanu Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic Nepali dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a blend of spices and herbs, including jwanu (lovage seeds) and mustard oil. This dish is hearty and satisfying, perfect for a cozy meal at home.

History

Jwanu Chicken has its roots in traditional Nepali cuisine, where spices and herbs are used to create bold and complex flavors. The use of jwanu, a unique spice with a strong aroma, adds a distinctive taste to this dish.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) chicken, cut into 1 inch cubes
0.5 lb (227 g) spinach, thoroughly washed and torn into pieces
3 dried red chilies
1 tbsp jwanu (lovage seeds)
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cracked black pepper
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tbsp minced ginger
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
3 fresh chilies, julienned
2 cup tomatoes
2 cup yogurt
2 cup chicken broth
3 tbsp mustard oil
salt to taste
1 tbsp chopped cilantro for garnish

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with 1 tbsp of mustard oil, turmeric powder, cracked black pepper, and salt. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp of oil in a saucepan. Add dried red chilies and fry until dark. Add jwanu and mustard seeds to the oil; fry for 15 seconds. Transfer the marinated chicken pieces to the pan and brown well over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and add garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, and fresh chilies to the browned chicken mixture. Stir the mixture well for about 2 minutes until the aroma of the different spices is released. Add chopped tomatoes, yogurt, and chicken broth. Mix well and bring the stew mixture to a boil. Allow it to stew over low heat for about 20–25 minutes until the chicken is tender and the desired consistency of the sauce is achieved.
Finally, add spinach and gently fold it into the stewed jwanu chicken in batches. Allow it to cook for a minute or so, just until all the spinach is wilted. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve with rice and roti.

Variations

Substitute chicken with tofu or paneer for a vegetarian version.
Add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or potatoes for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Marinate the chicken for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

- Be sure to brown the chicken well before adding the spices to enhance the depth of flavor.

- Adjust the amount of red chilies and fresh chilies to suit your spice preference.

- Add the spinach at the end to retain its vibrant color and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Jwanu Chicken with steamed rice or roti for a complete and satisfying meal. A side of cucumber salad or raita can complement the flavors of this dish.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken before adding the spices helps develop a rich flavor base.

- Stewing the chicken in yogurt and chicken broth creates a creamy and flavorful sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use celery seeds or fennel seeds as a substitute for jwanu.

- Olive oil can be used instead of mustard oil.

Make Ahead Tips

Jwanu Chicken can be prepared ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Jwanu Chicken with fresh cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for a vibrant and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Jwanu Chicken with a light and refreshing cucumber mint cooler or a glass of lassi to balance out the spices in the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Jwanu Chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 12g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20% of daily value per serving

Vitamin C: 30% of daily value per serving

Iron: 15% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains dairy (yogurt)

Summary

Jwanu Chicken is a rich source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a balanced meal that provides a good amount of carbohydrates and healthy fats.

Summary

Jwanu Chicken is a delicious and aromatic Nepali dish that combines tender chicken with a blend of spices and herbs. This flavorful stew is perfect for a cozy meal at home, served with rice or roti for a satisfying dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my grandmother in her cozy kitchen. She was a master in the art of cooking, and I always looked forward to learning new recipes from her.

On that particular day, the aroma of spices filled the air as she busily chopped onions and garlic. I watched in awe as she effortlessly moved around the kitchen, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that to the pot on the stove. Curious, I asked her what she was making.

With a twinkle in her eye, she replied, "Jwanu Chicken, a traditional dish from our homeland." Intrigued, I eagerly offered to help her with the cooking. As we worked together, she shared stories of how she had learned the recipe from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. It was a recipe that had been passed down through generations, each adding their own twist to make it their own.

The key to the dish, she explained, was the jwanu – a special type of Szechuan pepper that gave the chicken its unique flavor. She showed me how to toast the jwanu in a dry pan until it released its fragrant aroma, then grind it into a fine powder. The scent that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I knew this dish was going to be something special.

As the chicken simmered in a rich sauce made with tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices, my grandmother shared more stories about her childhood and the memories she associated with this dish. She told me how her mother would make it for special occasions, and how it always brought the family together around the table.

Finally, after hours of slow cooking, the Jwanu Chicken was ready. The tender meat fell off the bone, infused with the flavors of the spices and the jwanu. I took my first bite, and was transported back in time to my grandmother's kitchen, surrounded by the love and warmth of my family.

From that day on, Jwanu Chicken became a staple in my own kitchen. I shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of this beloved dish. Each time I made it, I would think of my grandmother and the memories we had shared in her kitchen.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing Jwanu Chicken for my own grandchildren, I can't help but smile at the thought of how far this recipe has come. It has traveled through time and distance, bringing joy and comfort to all who taste it.

As I sit down to enjoy a meal with my family, I am grateful for the gift of this recipe and the memories it holds. It is more than just a dish – it is a connection to my past, a link to my roots. And as I take another bite of the flavorful chicken, I know that this recipe will continue to be a part of our family for generations to come.