Certainly! Hereโs a rewritten version of the Nepalese Chicken Sekuwa recipe, formatted for an engaging and reader-friendly presentation on Love With Recipes.
Nepalese Chicken Sekuwa
A flavorful Nepalese grilled chicken dish, Chicken Sekuwa is marinated overnight with aromatic spices and grilled to perfection. This traditional recipe brings the earthy, smoky flavors of Nepal right to your table, making it a perfect choice for appetizers or a light main course. Enjoy it with fresh mint chutney and lemon wedges for a zesty touch.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 1 large, cut into 1-inch cubes |
| Ginger-Garlic Paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Sichuan Peppercorns (Timur) | 1/2 teaspoon, crushed |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Lemon Juice | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Turmeric Powder | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Green Chilies | 3, minced |
| Yogurt (Curd) | 1/2 cup |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Fresh Coriander Leaves | 1 tablespoon, finely chopped |
| Salt | To taste |
| Vegetable Oil | For greasing skewers |
| Melted Butter | For brushing grilled chicken |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~280 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Vitamin C | 8 mg |
(Nutrition values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Instructions
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 2
Cuisine: Nepalese
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
-
Prepare the Chicken and Marinate
- Start by thoroughly washing and cleaning the chicken breasts. Cut them into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, salt, garam masala powder, turmeric powder, chopped coriander leaves, black pepper powder, ginger-garlic paste, crushed Sichuan peppercorns (timur), minced green chilies, and lemon juice. Mix everything until well-blended.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with cling wrap and refrigerate overnight for the best flavor infusion. (For a quicker marination, a minimum of 2 hours will still work, but overnight is recommended.)
-
Prepare for Grilling
- Preheat your oven to 180ยฐC (350ยฐF).
- Grease the skewers with a little vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece for even cooking.
-
Grill the Chicken
- Place the skewers in the preheated oven and grill for 20-25 minutes, turning them occasionally. Check for doneness by cutting into one piece to ensure it’s cooked through.
- If desired, to give the chicken a more authentic, smoky flavor, hold each skewer over a direct flame for a couple of minutes after grilling.
-
Finishing Touches
- Once the chicken is grilled to perfection, brush it with melted butter for added richness.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges, onion rings, and Pudina (Mint) Chutney. Pair with another appetizer like Sweet Potato Pineapple Skewers with a spicy-sweet peanut dip for a delightful, colorful platter.
Tips for the Perfect Sekuwa
- Timur (Sichuan Peppercorns): This ingredient is key to the authentic flavor of Sekuwa. Its citrusy, slightly numbing flavor adds a unique taste. If unavailable, substitute with a small amount of black pepper mixed with lemon zest for a similar effect.
- Overnight Marination: The longer the marination, the more flavorful and tender your chicken will be. If youโre short on time, marinate for at least 2 hours.
- Direct Flame for Smoky Flavor: Nepalese sekuwa is traditionally grilled over an open flame, lending it a charred, smoky taste. Adding a brief flame exposure at the end brings out this authentic element, but be careful to avoid burning.
Enjoy the delicious, zesty flavors of Nepal with this Chicken Sekuwa! The marinade infuses rich spices and yogurt into the chicken, while grilling gives it that perfect char and tender texture.
