A hot and spicy chicken stew where the meat falls apart and the broth warms from within. Serve Jasha Maroo with red rice for a Bhutanese-style dinner.

Jasha Maroo – A Traditional Bhutanese Recipe

Jasha Maroo is a traditional Bhutanese chicken stew which usually is made from on-the-bone chicken, however I’ve gone against the grain and used chicken breast instead. You’ll also find onions, leeks, tomato, ginger, garlic and chillis. The base is broth-like rather than thick and has a powerful kick to it! 

Luckily I like a dish with a bit of heat as this one sure packs a punch. Obviously you could pair back the chillis or leave the seeds out. I opted for a birds eye chilli as that’s the hottest my local supermarket stocks but feel free to use whichever you prefer (or can find). It does get cold in Bhutan, so I can see why this comforting dish is so popular!

Why should I make Jasha Maroo? 

• Perfect for warming up with in wintertime 
• Leave it in the slow-cooker and get on with your day 
• You’ll be trying a dish from another culture 
• Not many ingredients needed
• Good if you’ve got a leek glut and need to use them up!
• Can be made and frozen (if defrosted and re-heated safely)

What do I know about Bhutan?

I’m ashamed to say that I don’t know a lot. All I know is that it’s a very happy country after being awarded the happiest country in all of Asia, and that the people are very friendly. I know it’s home to the Himalayas and lots of monks live there. Shameful. 

I’d like to educate myself more, so here’s what I’ll do:

Watch – Crossing Bhutan, a documentary about an adventure across Bhutan.

Read – Radio Shangri La seems like a good, light-hearted read about a woman who finds her calling in Bhutan.

Listen – this Bhutanese playlist on Spotify has a good mix of Bhutanese artists.

Ingredients needed 

White onions – You could use red as an alternative.

Leeks – an essential ingredient!

Plum tomatoes – I recommend the fresh kind however use a can of toms as an alternative, if needed.

Ginger – Fresh is best however the ready-chopped stuff is always a good, quick option. The only downside is you’ll end up with ginger lumps.

Green chilis – Any green chilli will work as long as it packs some heat.

Garlic – fresh or the ready-prepped stuff is fine.

Chicken breast – You could go more traditional and use chicken on the bone, such as thigh or leg.

Olive oil – for frying.

Chicken stock – To create the base of the stew. 

Seasoning – Essential!

Equipment list

Frying pan
Grater
Knife for chopping vegetables
Garlic press
Slow-cooker

How to serve Jasha Maroo

Jasha Maroo is best served the traditional way, with red rice. Red rice is a massive staple in Bhutan and is grown in the Eastern Himalayas. You can choose to source the real thing but it’s really hard to find, or opt for Camargue red rice, like this one I used from Waitrose. 

Is Jasha Maroo suitable for vegans and vegetarians? 

No, Jasha Maroo is not traditionally suitable for vegans and vegetarians, however you could take out the chicken and replace with a veggie alternative, like the Heura Plant Based Chicken Chunks.

Tip – Remove seeds from your chillis for a less intense heat!

More Asian Recipes to try – 

Bhutanese Vegetable Momo Dumplings 

Bahraini Fish Ragout with Rice

Slow-cooker Afghani Spinach and Lamb Stew

Bahraini Chicken Machboos