K

WHAT IS A KALCHUL?

Kalchul or metal ladle

NOUN, K-aa-l-ch-oo-l.

A kalchul is basically, a metal ladle. It is used to “chounkay” dhal or chokas in Trinidadian cooking. Oil is heated in the kalchul over the direct burner flame on the stove, where aromatics such as whole geera (cumin), methee (fenugreek) and garlic are added to infuse the hot oil. When browned, it is then added to the dish which gives a nice, savory richness to the dish.