Naga Style Chicken with Bamboo Shoot: A Flavorful, Spicy Side Dish
Introduction
Naga cuisine, a unique blend of flavors from the northeastern region of India, is known for its bold spices and fresh ingredients. Among the many exciting dishes, the Naga Style Chicken with Bamboo Shoot stands out as a delicacy that is both flavorful and healthy. This recipe is a perfect example of Naga’s use of fresh, simple ingredients that bring out the richness of the chicken. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy bamboo shoots, and the fiery kick of green chilies makes this dish an unforgettable experience for your taste buds. It’s a side dish that pairs beautifully with hot steamed rice and a tangy chutney such as Hmarcha Rawt. What makes this recipe even more special is that it doesn’t require any oil, making it a healthy option while still maintaining the deep, delicious flavors of traditional Naga cooking.
Ingredients for Naga Style Chicken with Bamboo Shoot
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken | 1 kg |
| Tomatoes | 2, crushed in a pestle & mortar |
| Garlic | 5 cloves, crushed |
| Ginger | 2-inch piece, grated |
| Green Chilies | 7-8, crushed |
| Bamboo Shoots | ½ cup, sliced |
| Cabbage (Patta Gobi/Muttaikose) | ½ cup, sliced |
| Spring Onion (Bulb & Greens) | Few, chopped for garnish |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Moderate
- Protein: High (due to chicken)
- Fat: Low (no oil used in preparation)
- Carbs: Moderate (from bamboo shoots and cabbage)
- Fiber: Moderate (from bamboo shoots and cabbage)
Preparation Time
- 10 minutes
Cooking Time
- 30 minutes
Instructions for Naga Style Chicken with Bamboo Shoot
-
Prepare the Chicken
Wash the chicken pieces thoroughly and drain any excess water. Make sure the chicken is clean and ready for cooking. -
Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a wok or a deep pan on medium flame. Add the grated ginger, crushed garlic, and green chilies. Sauté them for about 30 seconds until fragrant, allowing the heat to bring out their flavors. -
Cook the Vegetables
Add the sliced cabbage and bamboo shoots to the pan, stirring them gently. Sprinkle some salt over the mixture. Cover the wok and cook for about 2-3 minutes. The cabbage will begin to wilt and soften. -
Add the Chicken and Tomatoes
Once the cabbage has softened, add the chicken pieces to the pan along with the crushed tomatoes. Stir everything together to ensure the chicken is well mixed with the vegetables and tomatoes. -
Simmer and Cook the Chicken
Add a little water to the pan to help create steam and prevent the dish from burning. Cover the wok and allow the chicken to cook on medium heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. -
Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked, remove the wok from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped spring onions and optional bamboo shoot slices for extra texture and flavor.Serve the Naga Style Chicken with Bamboo Shoot alongside hot steamed rice and a side of Hmarcha Rawt (a fiery Naga chutney) for an authentic and flavorful meal.
Tips for the Perfect Naga Style Chicken with Bamboo Shoot
- Chicken pieces: You can use bone-in or boneless chicken pieces, depending on your preference. Bone-in pieces tend to add more flavor to the dish.
- Green chilies: Adjust the number of green chilies based on your spice tolerance. Naga cuisine is known for its fiery heat, so feel free to dial it up or down.
- Bamboo shoots: Fresh bamboo shoots are the best choice for this recipe, but if they’re unavailable, canned bamboo shoots can be used as a substitute.
- Rice pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with plain steamed rice or even a simple fried rice, balancing the heat of the chicken.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Naga Style Chicken with Bamboo Shoot offers a harmonious balance of spicy, savory, and earthy flavors. It’s a nutritious and satisfying side dish that brings the boldness of Naga cuisine to your table. The bamboo shoots provide a delightful crunch, while the chicken becomes infused with the rich flavors of ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Plus, without any oil used in cooking, this recipe is a great option for those looking to maintain a healthy diet while indulging in some deliciously spicy cuisine.
Whether you’re new to Naga cooking or a seasoned fan, this recipe is sure to become a regular feature on your dinner table. Enjoy the heat, enjoy the flavors, and enjoy this taste of Nagaland!
Serve with: Hot steamed rice and Hmarcha Rawt (Naga chili chutney) for a complete and flavorful meal.
