Murtani Recipe

Discover the exquisite fusion of Murtani recipe, blending Albanian, Kashmiri, and Trinidadian flavors into a delectable masterpiece.

Murtani

• Publisher: Crisprecipe
• Cuisine: Fusion
• Category: Main Course
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 350 calories

Murtani, sometimes called murtanie or fire-roasted choka, is a fiery, flavor-packed Indo-Trinidadian side dish that’s all about roasting fresh vegetables and hot peppers over an open flame until they’re beautifully charred, then mashing them together into a bold, rustic relish. It’s a dish that carries serious personality—and if you grew up in a Trini household with Indian roots, there’s a good chance you’ve smelled the smoky aroma of Murtani being made on a Saturday morning. This is food with attitude and ancestral flavor in every bite.

The magic starts with simple, raw ingredients: eggplant (melongene), tomatoes, garlic, onions, and Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers. Everything gets roasted directly over a flame—sometimes on a stovetop, sometimes on a grill—until the skins blister and blacken, locking in that signature smokiness. Once cooled, the charred skins are peeled, and the soft, smoky flesh is mashed or chopped roughly by hand. A drizzle of oil—typically mustard or coconut oil—and a touch of salt bring everything together. Some folks add fresh chadon beni (culantro) or a squeeze of lime for that extra punch.

The first thing you notice when you taste Murtani is the smoky intensity—that flame-charred flavor hits right away, followed by the deep heat from the peppers. It’s not just spicy—it’s layered. The garlic brings a pungent warmth, the eggplant a creamy base, and the tomatoes a bit of tang to balance it all out. When you eat it, it’s soft and spreadable but full of texture, and the taste is vibrant, a little wild, and totally addictive.

It’s typically served as a side dish alongside sada roti, dhal and rice, or fried bake. Some people use it like a dip or a spread—it’s one of those dishes that adds fire and depth to whatever you pair it with. And because it’s made with such few ingredients, the freshness of each one really matters. Don’t skip the open flame—roasting over a gas stove or charcoal grill is what gives Murtani its soul.

Storing it is easy. You can keep Murtani in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just bring it to room temp before serving so the flavors can bloom again. It’s naturally vegan, low-carb, and full of vitamins from the charred vegetables—plus it’s so satisfying that a little goes a long way.

There are small variations from kitchen to kitchen—some make it with more tomato, some with green mango for tartness, others with more oil and spice—but that’s part of the charm. It’s a dish that lets your hands and instincts do the work, not a recipe that demands perfection. If you're craving something smoky, bold, and unmistakably Trini, check out the recipe below and fire up the flame—Murtani’s calling.

Recipe

Embark on a culinary journey like no other with our Murtani recipe. A fusion masterpiece that harmonizes flavors from three continents!

Ingredients

For the Murtani Base:

• 250g lamb or chicken, diced
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 eggs
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

For the Upar Gaar-Inspired Sauce:

• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 green cardamom pods
• 2 cloves
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder (adjust to spice preference)
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup water
• Salt to taste

For the Pepper Choka Twist:

• 2 red bell peppers, roasted, peeled, and chopped
• 2-3 hot peppers (adjust to spice preference), finely chopped
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Method Instructions

Prepare the Murtani Base:
1. In a bowl, combine yogurt, eggs, grated ginger, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Marinate the diced lamb or chicken in this mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat oil in a pan and sauté finely chopped onions until golden brown. Add marinated meat and cook until browned and tender.
Create the Upar Gaar-Inspired Sauce:
4. In a separate pan, heat some oil and add cinnamon stick, green cardamom pods, cloves, bay leaf, and fennel seeds. Sauté until aromatic.
5. Add ground ginger, Kashmiri red chili powder, and chopped tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes break down and the oil separates.
6. Add water, salt, and simmer until you have a rich sauce.
Prepare the Pepper Choka Twist:
7. In yet another pan, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic and finely chopped red onion until softened.
8. Add roasted and chopped red bell peppers and hot peppers. Sauté until flavors meld together.
Assemble the Murtani Fusion Bowl:
9. In a serving bowl, layer the Murtani base (cooked lamb or chicken and yogurt mixture).
10. Pour the Upar Gaar-inspired sauce over the top.
11. Garnish with the Pepper Choka twist and fresh cilantro leaves.

This Spicy Murtani Fusion Bowl combines the creaminess of Murtani, the rich spices of Upar Gaar, and the fiery kick of Pepper Choka for a flavor-packed culinary journey. Enjoy the fusion of these diverse tastes!

Recipe Video

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Servings

Serving Murtani, the fusion dish inspired by Albanian Murtani, Indian Upar Gaar, and Trinidadian Pepper Choka, is an exciting culinary experience. Here's how to serve it:

1. Fusion Bowl Presentation: Serve Murtani in individual bowls or on plates, allowing the layers of flavors to shine through.
2. Layering: Begin by placing a generous portion of the marinated and cooked lamb or chicken (the Murtani base) at the bottom of each serving bowl.
3. Saucy Goodness: Pour the Upar Gaar-inspired sauce over the meat. This sauce adds a rich, aromatic layer to the dish, with the warmth of Kashmiri spices.
4. Pepper Choka Twist: Next, add the Pepper Choka twist. This consists of the roasted red bell peppers, hot peppers, garlic, and onions sautéed to perfection. Distribute this flavorful fusion element evenly over the top.
5. Garnish: For a finishing touch, garnish Murtani with a handful of fresh cilantro leaves. This adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
6. Accompaniments: Consider serving Murtani with traditional sides like steamed rice or naan to balance the bold flavors. The mildness of rice or the softness of naan complements the spicy and savory elements of the dish.
7. Serving Suggestions: A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice can also enhance the flavors. Offer lemon or lime wedges on the side for diners to customize their dish.
8. Spice Tolerance: Keep in mind that Murtani can be quite spicy, so you may want to inform your guests about the heat level. You can also offer yogurt or a cooling cucumber raita as a side for those who prefer to temper the spice.

Tips

1. Marination Time: Marinate the lamb or chicken in the yogurt and spice mixture for at least 30 minutes, or even longer if possible. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and tenderize it.
2. Meat Choice: Use boneless lamb or chicken pieces for quicker cooking and easier eating. Cut the meat into uniform-sized pieces for even cooking.
3. Yogurt Consistency: Use plain yogurt with a thick and creamy consistency for the marination. Greek yogurt works well. If the yogurt is watery, strain it before using.
4. Slow Cooking: When cooking the marinated meat, simmer it over low to medium heat until it becomes tender and cooked through. Avoid high heat, as it can make the yogurt curdle.
5. Stirring: Stir the marinated meat occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan. You want it to cook evenly and develop a flavorful crust.
6. Layering: Assemble the fusion bowl by layering the components in the recommended order - meat at the bottom, Upar Gaar-inspired sauce, and Pepper Choka twist on top. This helps distribute the flavors.
7. Spice Level: Adjust the amount of hot peppers in the Pepper Choka twist to suit your spice tolerance. Remember, you can always add more heat later, but reducing it can be challenging.
8. Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients like garlic, ginger, and cilantro for the best flavor. Freshly roasted bell peppers also add a smoky depth.
9. Customization: Feel free to customize the fusion recipe to your preferences. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of hot peppers or use a milder variety.
10. Accompaniments: Serve Murtani with traditional sides like steamed rice or naan. These sides help balance the spice and add substance to the meal.
11. Garnish: Don't skip the fresh cilantro garnish; it adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
12. Enjoy the Fusion: Embrace the fusion of flavors from Albania, Kashmir, and Trinidad, and savor the unique culinary journey that Murtani offers.

Ingredient Substitutes

While Murtani is a unique fusion dish inspired by specific regional cuisines, you can still make substitutions if you don't have certain ingredients or want to customize the recipe further. Here are some ingredient substitution options:

1. Meat: You can substitute lamb or chicken with other proteins like beef, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the meat or protein you choose.
2. Yogurt: If you don't have yogurt or prefer a dairy-free option, you can use coconut yogurt, almond yogurt, or even cashew yogurt as a substitute.
3. Spices: The spice mix can be adjusted to your taste. If you don't have specific spices like cumin or coriander, you can use a pre-made curry powder or garam masala blend. Just be mindful of the salt content in these blends.
4. Hot Peppers: Depending on your spice tolerance, you can choose milder or hotter peppers. Jalapeños, serrano peppers, or Thai bird's eye chilies are alternatives to Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers. Remember to adjust the quantity accordingly.
5. Onions: You can use different types of onions such as red, white, or shallots as a substitute for the finely chopped onions.
6. Garlic and Ginger: While fresh garlic and ginger are preferred, you can use pre-made ginger-garlic paste or powdered forms as a substitute. Adjust the quantity to your taste.
7. Olive Oil: If you don't have olive oil, you can use other cooking oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, or ghee as a substitute.
8. Red Bell Peppers: If you can't roast red bell peppers, you can use canned roasted red peppers as a substitute. Ensure they are well-drained before use.
9. Cilantro Garnish: If you don't have fresh cilantro, you can use fresh parsley or chives for garnish.

Remarks

Conclude your epic culinary adventure with our Murtani a fusion masterpiece that transcends borders and tantalizes taste buds. Bon appétit!