"Chukauni (Nepali dish)"-By Asha Ranjan
Chukauni is a traditional Nepali dish, often served as a side dish or appetizer. It’s a flavorful and creamy potato salad that’s typically accompanied by beaten rice (chiura), roti, or puri. Here’s a simple recipe for making Chukauni at home:
**Ingredients:**
– 4 medium-sized potatoes, boiled, peeled, and cubed
– 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt works well too)
– 2 tablespoons mustard oil (you can substitute with any vegetable oil)
– 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
– Salt to taste
– 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (optional)
– 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare Potatoes:**
– Boil the potatoes until they are fork-tender. Allow them to cool, then peel and cut them into small cubes. Place them in a mixing bowl.
2. **Prepare Yogurt Mixture:**
– In a separate bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt to the yogurt. Mix well.
3. **Prepare Tempering:**
– Heat mustard oil in a small pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds, and mustard seeds. Let them splutter for a few seconds, then remove from heat. Allow the tempering to cool slightly.
4. **Mixing:**
– Pour the tempered spices over the cubed potatoes. Gently mix until the potatoes are well coated with the spices.
5. **Add Yogurt Mixture:**
– Gradually pour the spiced yogurt mixture over the potatoes. Mix gently until all the potatoes are coated evenly with the yogurt mixture.
6. **Final Touch:**
– Add chopped green chilies (if using), fresh coriander leaves, and lemon juice to the potato mixture. Toss gently to combine.
7. **Chilling:**
– Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Chukauni for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. **Serving:**
– Serve Chukauni chilled as a side dish or appetizer alongside beaten rice (chiura), roti, or puri. It’s a delightful accompaniment to any Nepali meal.
Enjoy your homemade Chukauni! It’s a dish bursting with Nepali flavors and sure to impress your taste buds.