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East African Kuku Paka ?

Delicious East African Kuku Paka: A Coconut Chicken Delight

Experience the rich flavors of East African Kuku Paka ?, a delightful coconut chicken curry that is comforting and versatile.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: East African
Calories: 631

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 4 pieces chicken thigh fillets, skin-on and bone-in (~250g/8oz each)
  • 4 pieces chicken drumsticks (~150g / 5oz each)
Condiments and Spices
  • 3/4 tsp cooking / kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp coriander powder
  • 1/2 tbsp cumin powder
  • 1/2 tbsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp pure chilli powder or cayenne pepper
  • 1 1/4 tsp cooking / kosher salt
Cooking Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil (or vegetable, canola or other plain oil)
  • 1 large onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tsp ginger, finely minced
  • 400 g coconut milk, full-fat (14 oz)
  • 400 g crushed canned tomato (14 oz)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice (sub apple cider vinegar)
Garnish
  • 1/2 cup coriander/cilantro leaves (lightly packed)

Equipment

  • large heavy based pot

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Pat chicken dry using paper towels then sprinkle with the salt and pepper.
  2. Heat oil in a large heavy based pot over high heat. Add the thighs, skin-side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Turn and cook the other side for 1 minute. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Brown the drumsticks as best you can, cooking 3 sides, 2 minutes each side. Transfer to the plate.
  4. Turn heat down to medium high. Add the onion and cook for 1 minute until softened. Add garlic and ginger, cook for 30 seconds. Add the coriander, cumin, turmeric, and chilli. Stir for 30 seconds.
  5. Add coconut milk, tomato, and salt. Stir, then return chicken into the pot (including juices on the plate). Submerge chicken as best you can.
  6. Once the sauce comes to a simmer, reduce the heat so it’s bubbling gently. Cover and cook for 10 minutes. Remove the lid and simmer for a further 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Stir in lemon and half of the coriander. Ladle into bowls and serve garnished with the rest of the coriander.

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 631kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 38gFat: 49gSodium: 1062mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g

Notes

The secret to perfectly tender chicken lies in not overcrowding the pan while searing. Allow space for each piece to brown nicely. Don't skip the marination step; it enhances the flavor magically. Lastly, a splash of acidic juice at the end brightens up the whole dish!

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