Kuku Paka

Kuku Paka is a chicken dish with a coconut-based curry and is also called “kuku na nazi”. It has African, Indian and Arabic influences. Kuku in Swahili means chicken. The dish is particularly popular in the East African coast and among the Indian communities living in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Paka in Swahili means to smear, to spread or to apply.

ingredients

  • 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 onions
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 green chilies, chopped (adjust according to your spice preference)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
  • Salt (to taste)

    • method

    1. Prepare: Finely chop the onions.
    2. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix chicken pieces with lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
    3. Sauté Onions and Spices: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan. Sauté onions until golden brown, then add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant. Stir in cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and garam masala.
    4. Add Tomatoes and Chilies: Incorporate chopped tomatoes and green chilies, cooking until tomatoes soften.
    5. Cook the Chicken: Add marinated chicken to the pan, browning it on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Pour in coconut milk, reduce heat, and let the curry simmer for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is tender.
    6. Garnish and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt, garnish with fresh coriander, and serve hot.

    notes

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