Mushroom Choila is a flavorful and spicy Newari dish from Nepal, offering a delicious vegetarian twist on the traditional meat-based Choila. This dish is known for its bold, smoky, and tangy flavors, making it a perfect appetizer or side dish. It pairs wonderfully with beaten rice (chiura), puffed rice, or roti, making it a great addition to any meal or festive gathering.
Ingredients
For the Choila:
500g white mushrooms (cleaned)
1 medium ripe tomato
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp chopped spring garlic
1 small onion, thinly sliced
A handful of chopped spring coriander
1 tbsp mild hot chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
½ tsp crushed Sichuan pepper (timur)
Salt to taste
½ tsp roasted cumin powder
Juice of half a lime (adjust to taste)
For the Seasoning (Tadka):
2 tbsp mustard oil
½ tsp fenugreek seeds
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 small piece ginger, thinly sliced
1 dried red chili, sliced
½ tsp turmeric powder
Instructions
1. Grill the Mushrooms and Tomato
Chop the mushrooms into quarters and cut the stems in half.
Make a small cross-cut on the back of the tomato to help with peeling.
Grill both the mushrooms and tomato. If using an air fryer, grill at 240°C (464°F) for 10 minutes, stirring the mushrooms halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Transfer the grilled mushrooms to a large mixing bowl and let them cool.
Allow the grilled tomato to cool slightly, then peel and finely chop it.
2. Prepare the Choila Mixture
In the mixing bowl with mushrooms, add: Chopped grilled tomato, Chopped spring garlic, Sliced onion, Chopped spring coriander, Chili powder, Ginger-garlic paste, Crushed Sichuan pepper, Salt to taste and roasted cumin powder then set aside.
3. Prepare the SeasoningÂ
Heat a small pan over high heat. Add mustard oil.
Once the oil is slightly hot, reduce the heat to medium and add fenugreek seeds. Let them splutter until dark brown.
Add sliced garlic, ginger, and dried red chili and turmeric powder. Stir and sauté for about 30 seconds and remove from heat.
4. Final Assembly
Immediately pour the hot seasoned oil over the mushroom mixture and combine well.
Squeeze in the lime juice and mix everything thoroughly again.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
Serve your Spicy Mushroom Choila with beaten rice (chiura), puffed rice, steamed rice, or roti.
Enjoy with your favorite drink!
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