Choka is a mashed or pureed dish that is heavily seasoned with herbs, onions and garlic which is then finished by adding a chunkay (hot oil). It is best served with roti or crackers. Makes a great snack!
Ingredients
Sardines (1 tin, oil or water based)
Garlic cloves (2)
Shallot (1)
Scotch bonnet pepper (as desired)
Cilantro (2 tbsp)
Lime juice (1-2 tsp)
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Optional, Plum tomato (¼)
Chunkay
Vegetable or canola oil (1 tbsp)
Method
This recipe uses a technique called chunkay/chonkay which is done after the dahl is cooked. It is a technique of adding flavoured hot oil (temperature wise) on top of food to enhance aromas and flavour.
Drain the can of sardines.
Put in a bowl and mash to the desired consistency.
Season with salt and black pepper.
Chiffonade the cilantro (slice into thin ribbons).
Thinly slice the shallots.
Mince garlic and scotch bonnet pepper.
Place in order on top of sardines:
cilantro
shallots
scotch bonnet pepper
garlic (very top of the mountain)
Add oil a small skillet on medium to medium high heat until hot
Smoke just starts to appear on top of the oil
Carefully add the mixture on top of all the garlic, herbs, onion and pepper
Stir to combine
Serve with roti or crackers.
fin.
Variations
Tomato Choka
You could replace the sardines with freshly roasted tomatoes. You may want to add 1 tbsp more oil. Proceed as above.
