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Coconut Choka
Smoky roasted grated coconut pounded with garlic, onion and hot pepper — a simple, intensely flavourful Guyanese side that's incredible with roti, rice or sada roti for breakfast.
Coconut choka proves how a handful of humble ingredients can become unforgettable. Grated coconut roasted to a toasty gold, then pounded with charred garlic, onion and fiery wiri wiri pepper — it’s smoky, savoury and absolutely made for tearing into with a piece of warm roti.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated coconut (or dry unsweetened, lightly toasted)
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 wiri wiri or hot pepper
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
Instructions
- Roast the grated coconut in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until lightly golden and smoky-smelling. Be careful not to burn it. Set aside.
- On the same pan, lightly char the garlic, onion and hot pepper, or roast them over an open flame for a smokier flavour.
- Using a mortar (loota) or the back of a spoon, pound or mash the garlic, onion, pepper and salt into a rough paste.
- Add the roasted coconut and pound everything together until well combined and fragrant.
- Heat the oil until hot and pour it over the choka (a chunkay). Mix through and serve.
Tips & Notes
- Roasting the coconut until just golden gives the signature toasty flavour — watch it closely.
- Adjust the pepper to your heat tolerance; wiri wiri gives the most authentic aroma.
- Best enjoyed with sada roti, dhal puri, rice, or as part of a breakfast spread.
- A traditional 'loota' (grinding stone) gives the most authentic texture, but a mortar and pestle works fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried coconut for choka?
Yes — lightly toast dried unsweetened coconut. Fresh grated coconut gives the most authentic flavour, but dried works in a pinch.
What is a chunkay?
It is the finishing step of pouring hot oil over the pounded ingredients to release their aroma — also called a tarka.
What do I eat coconut choka with?
Sada roti, dhal puri, rice, or as part of a traditional Guyanese breakfast spread.
Nutrition is an approximate estimate per serving and will vary with brands, portion sizes and substitutions. See our disclaimer.
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