Ingredients
– 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
– 400 ml coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
– 2-3 green chilies, slit (adjust to taste)
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin powder
– 1 tablespoon coriander powder
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
– Lemon juice (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Preparing East African Kuku Paka is easy and fun when you follow these steps:
1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken with turmeric, curry powder, cumin, coriander, and salt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
2. Heat Oil: In a large pot over medium heat, add the vegetable oil and heat it until shimmering.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
4. Cook Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pot, stirring well to coat with the spices. Cook for about 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is browned on all sides.
5. Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and mix thoroughly, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Pour Coconut Milk: Slowly add the coconut milk to the pot, stirring to incorporate all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
7. Simmer: Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the salt as necessary. If you prefer a tangy flavor, add a splash of lemon juice.
9. Garnish: Once cooked, remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped coriander leaves for added flavor and color.
10. Serve: Transfer the Kuku Paka to a serving dish and prepare to enjoy!
These instructions make it easy to create this wonderful dish without any fuss. The result is a delightful meal that embodies the essence of East African culinary traditions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6 servings
- Calories: 490 kcal per serving
- Fat: 35g
- Protein: 30g