Kuku Paka - East African Coconut Chicken Curry

I first came across this awesome dish when I was researching different recipes to cook for "An African Feast"

"Kuku Paka"

Kuku Paka is a Swahili dish from the coast of East Africa with a mixture of African, Arab and Indian influences

Don't be overwhelmed with the ingredients list, chances are some of you will have most of it in your cupboard...and if you don't...you should have!!

What you will need:

• 1 kg chicken thigh fillets, diced (thigh fillets are much juicer and I find better in curries)

• 2 tbsp cooking oil or butter

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 red capsicums, chopped

• 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely chopped

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, crushed

• 1 tbsp curry powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 handful of fresh coriander, chopped

• 1 tbsp lemon or lime juice

• 1 tsp cumin powder

• 1 tsp coriander powder

• 1 tsp garam masala

• 2 tbsp turmeric power   

• 6 potatoes, cleaned and cut into quarters (I prefer using potato with skins on – it’s better for you!)

• 4 ripe tomatoes, cut into chunks

• 800 mls of coconut milk (2 tins)

• 1 cup water

1. Heat the oil or butter in a large saucepan
2. Add in the onion, garlic and ginger and fry for about 1 minute
3. Add all dry spices (curry powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala & turmeric) and salt and mix well
4. Over a high heat add the diced chicken and brown. Reduce heat to medium
5. Remove chicken from pot and set aside
6. Add the water to the pot and bring to a slow boil. Add the potatoes and cook them until they begin to become tender
7. Return the chicken to the pot, add capsicum and tomatoes and continue to cook at a low boil. Stir occasionally, until the chicken and potatoes are cooked through
8. Add the coconut milk, reduce heat, and gently stir and simmer until sauce is thickened
9. Stir in the lemon juice and add the fresh coriander.

Serve the Kuku Paka with rice and chapati.(recipe coming soon!)

Tips: 

* I normally cook this dish using a slow cooker (overnight), just add all the ingredients in together but be careful not to add to much liquid. If anything, omit the cup of water from the recipe. 

** The longer you cook the chicken, the more tender it will be. Just ensure it is kept at a low heat.

I hope you guys enjoy this as much as I do!

(Image retrieved from: https://sites.google.com/site/espanolcomidadelmundo/las-comidas-del-africa/kuku-paku)