Description
Kenyan coastal spices dance through this african chicken curry kuku paka, weaving complex flavors of coconut, tomatoes, and aromatic seasonings. Simmered with passion and heritage, this dish promises a delicious journey that connects cultures and satisfies hungry travelers.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 lbs (700 g) chicken thighs or drumsticks, bone-in (or boneless)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Base and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
- 1 can (13.5 oz / 400 ml) coconut milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth (or water)
- ½ cup (120 ml) coconut cream (optional, for extra richness)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Infuse the chicken with a vibrant blend of turmeric, salt, and pepper, allowing the spices to penetrate the meat while preparing the remaining components.
- Warm vegetable oil in a spacious pot, creating a golden sear on each chicken piece until a light brown crust develops. Carefully transfer the browned pieces to a separate plate.
- Utilize the same pot to caramelize chopped onions, transforming them into a rich golden hue. Introduce minced garlic and ginger, releasing their aromatic essence and creating a fragrant base.
- Cascade a medley of spices – cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala – coating the softened onions. Incorporate diced tomatoes, allowing them to break down and form a robust, concentrated sauce.
- Reintroduce the seared chicken into the spice-infused mixture, then flood with coconut milk and chicken broth. Create a harmonious blend by gently stirring the ingredients.
- Reduce heat and let the curry simmer under a covered lid, allowing the chicken to become fork-tender and absorb the complex flavor profile.
- Enrich the curry with a final touch of coconut cream, elevating its creamy texture. Fine-tune the seasoning with salt and pepper, then crown the dish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor infusion and more tender meat texture.
- Experiment with different protein alternatives like tofu, chickpeas, or fish to accommodate vegetarian or seafood preferences.
- Toast whole spices before grinding to enhance their aromatic complexity and release more intense flavor profiles.
- Control spice heat by adjusting chili powder quantity or using milder pepper variants for sensitive palates.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg