Jasha Maroo (Bhutanese Spicy Chicken Stew)
In short: Chicken simmered with tomato, garlic, ginger and fresh chilies into a light, brothy stew with plenty of heat. Served with red rice. It takes about 1 h 10 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 50 min
- Total
- 1 h 10 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 250 kcal
Jasha maroo is a spicy chicken stew that Bhutanese cooks prepare for family meals. Pieces of chicken are browned, then cooked slowly with tomato, garlic, ginger and fresh chilies so the sauce stays thin and brothy rather than thick. It is usually eaten with red rice, often alongside ema datshi. Fresh cilantro and spring onion go in at the end.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a wide pot over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken in batches for about 6 minutes per batch, then set aside.
- In the same pot, cook the onion for 4 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and stir for 1 minute.
- Add the tomatoes, green chilies, chili flakes and salt and cook for 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
- Return the chicken to the pot with the water. Cover and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, until the chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) at the thickest part and the sauce has reduced slightly.
- Stir in the spring onions and cilantro. Serve hot with red rice.
Tips
- Remove the skin so the sauce stays light, as it should be in Bhutan. If you like a richer stew, leave the skin on and skim the fat at the end.
- Ginger and garlic are the main flavors here. Do not skimp, and slice them thickly rather than mincing.
Questions and answers
How do I make jasha maroo less spicy?
Leave out the chili flakes and use mild green chilies without the seeds. The garlic and ginger keep it flavorful.
Can I make it with chicken breast?
Yes, but it dries out faster. Cut the breast into large chunks and simmer for only 12 to 15 minutes.
Can I freeze jasha maroo?
Yes. Freeze it for up to 3 months in a sealed container. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
How long does it take to make Jasha Maroo (Bhutanese Spicy Chicken Stew)?
About 1 h 10 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 50 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Jasha Maroo (Bhutanese Spicy Chicken Stew)?
About 250 kcal per serving, with 25 g of protein, 9 g of carbohydrates and 14 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 250 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
