Entree: Nepal – Newari Cuisine – हाकु चोयला ➤ haku choila (Smoky grilled spiced buffalo meat tossed with Newari spices, herbs, and mustard oil)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 20 min

Cook 10 min

Additional 30 min

Total 1 hr

Ingredients

- 1 lb (454 g) buffalo meat or lean beef, cut into 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) cubes
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) mustard oil
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil for grilling or broiling
- 2 tsp (4 g) ground timur (Sichuan pepper) or coarsely crushed
- 1 tsp (2 g) roasted fenugreek powder (methi)
- 1 tsp (2 g) roasted cumin powder
- 2 tsp (10 g) Kashmiri or Nepali chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt, or to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) grated fresh ginger
- 2–3 green chilies, charred and chopped
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice or to taste
- 1 tsp (5 g) sugar (optional, balances heat)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) water (to help mix spices into a paste if needed)

Instructions

1. In a bowl combine ground timur, roasted fenugreek, roasted cumin, chili powder, salt, garlic, ginger, and 1 tbsp (15 ml) mustard oil to form a spice paste. Add 2 tbsp (30 ml) water if needed to make a thick paste.
2. Toss the meat cubes with the spice paste until evenly coated. Marinate at room temperature for 20–30 minutes or refrigerate up to 2 hours.
3. Char the meat over a hot grill or under a broiler, turning so pieces develop a smoky crust and are cooked through but still juicy, about 6–10 minutes depending on size. Alternatively, sear in a very hot cast-iron skillet with 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil until nicely charred.
4. Transfer the hot meat to a bowl. Immediately add the remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) mustard oil, charred chopped green chilies, chopped cilantro, green onions, and chopped red onion. Toss to combine so the flavors meld and the mustard oil slightly cooks the aromatics.
5. Adjust seasoning with lemon juice and sugar if using. Let sit 5 minutes for flavors to marry.
6. Serve warm as a main with beaten rice (chiura), steamed rice, or flatbread; accompanied by sliced tomatoes or a fresh herb salad if desired.