Kyarzan-Chek Recipe from Burma: A Flavorful Dish with Chicken, Mushrooms, and Bean Vermicelli

Kyarzan-Chek

Kyarzan-Chek Recipe from Burma: A Flavorful Dish with Chicken, Mushrooms, and Bean Vermicelli
Region / culture: Burma | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Kyarzan-Chek
Kyarzan-Chek

Kyarzan-Chek is a traditional Cambodian soup that is bursting with flavor and packed with nutritious ingredients. This hearty soup is perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly day.

History

Kyarzan-Chek has been a staple in Cambodian cuisine for generations. It is a dish that is often enjoyed during special occasions and family gatherings. The combination of chicken, mushrooms, fish cake, and bean vermicelli creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. In a saucepan, heat cooking oil and fry the garlic, onion, fish sauce, and chili powder for 2–3 minutes.
  2. Add the chicken, mushrooms, fish cake, onions, and 2 qt (1.89 liter) of water. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Add the bean vermicelli (bean thread) and pepper. Continue to boil on low heat for 10 minutes.
  4. Serve the dish, sprinkled with green onion.

Variations

  • Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version of the soup.
  • Add vegetables such as bok choy or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to fry the garlic, onion, fish sauce, and chili powder until fragrant to enhance the flavors of the soup.

- Simmering the soup for a longer period of time allows the ingredients to fully infuse their flavors into the broth.

- Garnish the soup with fresh green onions for a pop of color and added freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Kyarzan-Chek hot with a side of steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to simmer the soup on low heat to allow the flavors to develop fully.

- Stir the soup occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use soy sauce as a substitute for fish sauce if desired.

- Substitute shrimp for chicken for a seafood twist on the soup.

Make Ahead Tips

Kyarzan-Chek can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for added freshness and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Kyarzan-Chek with a side of fresh salad or pickled vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Kyarzan-Chek in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Kyarzan-Chek contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Kyarzan-Chek contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Kyarzan-Chek contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Kyarzan-Chek contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Kyarzan-Chek is rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish sauce and fish cake, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Kyarzan-Chek is a nutritious and well-balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Summary

Kyarzan-Chek is a delicious and nutritious Cambodian soup that is perfect for a comforting meal. Packed with protein, vegetables, and flavorful broth, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first saw this recipe for Kyarzan-Chek. It was handed down to me by my great-grandmother, who learned it from her own grandmother many years ago. The recipe was written in a delicate script on a yellowed piece of paper, with faded ink that told of its age. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could almost smell the fragrant spices and taste the savory flavors that awaited me.

My great-grandmother had told me stories of her own childhood, spent in a small village nestled in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan. She described the rugged terrain, the lush green meadows, and the crystal-clear rivers that meandered through the valleys. But most of all, she spoke of the warm hospitality of the people, and the delicious dishes that were prepared with love and care.

Kyarzan-Chek was one such dish, a traditional Kyrgyz pastry filled with meat, onions, and spices. It was a labor of love, requiring time and patience to prepare. But the end result was always worth it – a flaky, golden-brown pastry filled with tender meat and aromatic herbs.

I set out to make Kyarzan-Chek for the first time on a crisp autumn morning. I gathered the ingredients – flour, butter, onions, ground meat, and a medley of spices – and began the process of making the dough. As I worked the flour and butter together, I thought of my great-grandmother and the generations of women before her who had made this dish with their own hands.

The dough came together beautifully, soft and pliable under my fingers. I rolled it out into thin sheets, feeling the satisfaction of creating something from scratch. I sautéed the onions and meat, adding a pinch of cumin, coriander, and turmeric for flavor. The kitchen filled with the heady aroma of spices, making my mouth water in anticipation.

I spooned the meat mixture onto the dough, folding it over and crimping the edges to seal in the filling. I brushed the tops with butter and sprinkled them with sesame seeds, then popped them into the oven to bake. As they cooked, the scent of freshly baked bread and savory meat filled the kitchen, making my stomach rumble with hunger.

When the Kyarzan-Chek emerged from the oven, golden and crispy, I knew I had done my great-grandmother proud. I took a bite, savoring the delicate layers of pastry and the rich, flavorful filling. It was a taste of my heritage, a connection to my ancestors and the land they had called home.

Since that day, Kyarzan-Chek has become a staple in my own kitchen. I have passed the recipe down to my children and grandchildren, sharing the stories and traditions that accompany it. Each time I make it, I am reminded of the love and care that went into creating this dish, and the generations of strong, resilient women who came before me.

As I sit down to enjoy a freshly baked Kyarzan-Chek, I am grateful for the legacy that has been handed down to me. It is a reminder of where I come from, and a taste of the past that I will carry with me always. And as I take the last bite, I know that this recipe will continue to be a part of my family's story for generations to come.

Categories

| Bean Thread Recipes | Burmese Recipes | Burmese Soups | Chicken Recipes | Fish Recipes | Mushroom Recipes | Onion Recipes |

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