Coconut Choka

Name: Coconut Choka
Cook time: P0Y0M0DT0H30M0.000S
Total time: P0Y0M0DT0H35M0.000S
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 large brown coconuts; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 6 cloves garlic; 2 wiri wiri peppers or 1/2 habanero pepper; 1/2 yellow onion

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Level: Intermediate

Total: 35 min
Active: 30 min

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Coconut choka is a spicy chutney made with flame-roasted coconuts, onion, garlic and wiri wiri peppers. This dish is served as a condiment and pairs really well with curries. Traditionally, the coconut is roasted over a clay firepit commonly called the “fireside” in Guyana. However, you can roast the coconut over an open flame, on a grill, in the oven or even an air fryer. The roasted coconut is grated, then pounded until smooth and slightly creamy. It has a distinct smoky flavor mixed with the garlic and heat from the chiles.

Level: Intermediate

Total: 35 min
Active: 30 min

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

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2 large brown coconuts

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

6 cloves garlic

2 wiri wiri peppers or 1/2 habanero pepper

1/2 yellow onion

Directions

Watch how to make this recipe.

Using an object with a flat edge, crack open the coconuts and drain the water; reserve the coconut water for another use. Separate the coconut shell into halves, then carefully free the meat from the shell. Rinse the coconut meat to remove debris and pat dry.
Preheat a grill to 400 degrees F.
Add the coconut meat brown-side down to the grill and roast until charred but not burnt, about 5 minutes. Flip and continue to roast until the white flesh is slightly brown, another 3 minutes. Let cool completely.
Scrape off any burnt parts to remove excess charring, as this can cause bitterness. Using the zesting or fine-grate side of a box grater, grate the coconut. Transfer the coconut to a mortar and pestle and mix in the salt. Pound the coconut until smooth and a little creamy, then transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Add the garlic, wiri wiri peppers, onion and 2 tablespoons water to a food processor and blend until smooth, about 1 minute. Combine the blended seasoning with the coconut and mix together well. Serve the coconut choka as a spicy and delicious condiment for all of your meals.