Besides its fascinating beauty and landscapes, Arunachal Pradesh has many exotic flavours to offer to the culinary world. This Chura Pa, an authentic dish of the Monpa Tribe, is one such exquisite dish that one must try. “Chura” means cheese and, “Pa” means stew or curry in the local language. Traditionally this stew is prepared with a variety of vegetables, paired with chicken or mushrooms. Cooked in Yak or Cow milk and fermented cheese, along with a few aromatics, Chura Pa is the blend of a whole new flavour filled with the rich cheesy note with a kick of the Ghost Chilli pepper. Here is my take on this authentic dish with a twist of prawns. Vegetarians can replace the meat items with mushrooms or tofu. Also, one can control the heat according to personal preferences.

Ingredients:
Prawns (big): 8-10
Boiled Potatoes: 2 medium-sized
Cabbage: 1 cup (chopped)
Sweet corn kernels: Half a cup
Spinach: 1 cup (or a handful)
Ginger & Garlic: 1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
Onion: 1 small-sized (chopped)
Green Chillies: 2-3
Chilli flakes: Half a teaspoon (regular chilli or ghost chilli)
Cheese: Half a cup (or 5-6 cubes)
Milk: 1 cup  
Salt: As per taste
Butter: 1 teaspoon

Preparation: 30 to 45 minutes, serves 2-3 persons.

Step 1: Heat a pot or a dutch oven and add one teaspoon of butter. Add the prawns and fry both sides for a minute. Once the prawns turn red, set them aside.

Step 2: In the same pot, add onions and slit green chillies. Saute for a few seconds and add the vegetables (cabbage, spinach, corn) one by one except the boiled potatoes. Add salt and saute for a couple of minutes. Now add 2 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Cover the lid and let it cook for about 5-8 minutes on a low flame.

Step 3: After 5-8 minutes remove the lid and add the boiled potatoes. Smash the potatoes roughly before adding. Now add the chilli flakes and chopped ginger garlic. Break the cheese blocks and add them into the pot followed by a cup of milk. At this point, you can also add some ground black pepper which is optional. Give it a gentle stir and finally drop the prawns in the stew. Once the milk starts boiling put the gas on low flame and cover the lid. Let it simmer for another 5-8 minutes.

Enjoy this absolute soul-satisfying stew hot along with some steamed rice or some garlic bread on a cold day, it will heat your body instantly.

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