Assamese style chicken curry cooked with fermented bamboo shoot (Khorisa diya Kukura Mangxo)

 


If you love earthy, rustic flavors, you’ll fall in love with this traditional Assamese chicken curry cooked with fermented bamboo shoot. Known locally as Khorisa diya Kukura Mangxo, this dish is a household favorite across Assam. The smoky-sour notes of bamboo shoot pair beautifully with tender chicken and the nutty aroma of mustard oil, creating a comforting curry that’s best enjoyed with plain steamed rice.


🥘 What Makes This Dish Special?

Assamese cuisine is all about simplicity and natural flavors. Unlike other Indian curries, this recipe doesn’t rely on heavy spices or cream. Instead, it highlights:

  • Khorisa (fermented bamboo shoot): Adds a tangy, umami kick.

  • Mustard oil: Gives depth and an authentic Assamese touch.

  • Minimal spices: Let the chicken and bamboo shoot shine.


🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)

  • 500 g chicken (skinless, cut into medium pieces)

  • 3–4 tbsp fermented bamboo shoot (khorisa)

  • 2 medium onions, finely chopped

  • 1 tbsp ginger paste

  • 1 tbsp garlic paste

  • 2–3 green chilies (slit)

  • 3 tbsp mustard oil

  • 1 tsp turmeric powder

  • Salt, to taste

  • Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)

  • 1 cup water (adjust as needed)

(Optional: Add a touch of black pepper powder or a fiery chili like bhut jolokia for extra heat.)


🍳 Utensils You’ll Need

  • A heavy-bottomed kadai (wok) or deep frying pan

  • Wooden spatula

  • Chopping board & knife

  • Bowl for marination


👩‍🍳 Method – Step by Step

  1. Preparation

    • Wash chicken pieces.

    • Marinate lightly with salt and turmeric. Set aside for 10 minutes.

  2. Cooking Base

    • Heat mustard oil in a kadai until it smokes lightly.

    • Add chopped onions, sauté till golden brown.

    • Stir in ginger-garlic paste, cook until raw smell disappears.

  3. Adding Chicken & Bamboo Shoot

    • Add chicken pieces, cook on medium flame for 8–10 minutes.

    • Mix in fermented bamboo shoot and slit green chilies.

  4. Simmering

    • Add about 1 cup water, cover, and let it cook until chicken turns soft and tender (15–20 minutes).

    • Adjust salt and reduce gravy to medium-thick consistency.

  5. Finishing Touch

    • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

    • Serve hot with plain steamed or fragrant joha rice.


🍽 Serving Suggestions

This chicken curry pairs wonderfully with:

  • Steamed rice (preferably Assamese joha rice)

  • A light dal on the side

  • Fresh green salad or sautéed greens


🔎 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~310 kcal

  • Protein: 26 g

  • Fat: 18 g

  • Carbs: 8 g

  • Fiber: 2 g

Bamboo shoot adds fiber and antioxidants, while chicken provides lean protein, making this a wholesome meal.


🌿 Final Thoughts

Assamese Chicken with Bamboo Shoot is more than just a dish—it’s a taste of Assam’s culture. The tanginess of fermented bamboo shoot is an acquired taste, but once you fall for it, you’ll crave it often.

👉 If you’re trying Assamese food for the first time, this is the perfect recipe to start with!

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