Description
Savory Kuku Paka simmers with rich Kenyan coastal flavors, blending tender chicken and creamy coconut sauce. Spices dance through this comforting dish, inviting you to explore a culinary journey that connects tradition with delightful taste sensations.
Ingredients
Scale
main ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1 onion
- 3 garlic cloves
spices and seasonings:
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp ginger (fresh, grated)
- 2 green chili peppers
garnish and additional ingredients:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 lime (juice)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Marinate chicken thighs by generously coating them with curry powder, salt, black pepper, grated ginger, and minced green chili peppers. Let the flavors penetrate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
- Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves, preparing them for sautéing.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers with warmth.
- Sear the marinated chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes on each side, creating a golden-brown crust that locks in the spices.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside, leaving the flavorful remnants in the pan.
- In the same skillet, sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour coconut milk into the skillet, stirring to incorporate the caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy coconut sauce.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and tender.
- Just before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
- Plate the Kuku Paka, ensuring each serving has a generous coating of the rich, spiced coconut sauce.
Notes
- Marinate Smartly: Allow chicken to absorb spices at room temperature for maximum flavor infusion, ensuring every bite is packed with aromatic complexity.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Ensure skillet is properly heated before searing chicken to achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior that seals in juices and creates a delectable crust.
- Customize Heat Levels: Adjust green chili pepper quantity to control spiciness, making the dish adaptable for those with varying heat tolerances or dietary preferences.
- Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace coconut milk with alternative plant-based milks like almond or cashew cream for those avoiding dairy while maintaining a creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Swahili
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg