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East African Kuku Paka: Amazing 1-Hour Meal

East African Kuku Paka
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East African Kuku Paka is a flavorful coconut chicken curry from the Swahili coast. This dish blends African and Indian influences, featuring smoky grilled chicken in a rich, spiced coconut sauce. It’s a comforting and exotic main course perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Chicken Marinade:
  • 1.5 lbs chicken (bone-in thighs or drumsticks recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • For the Curry:
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 green chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup water or broth
  • Salt, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro and lemon wedges, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Mix chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
  2. Sear or Grill: Heat a grill pan or skillet with oil. Sear chicken on all sides until browned, about 3–4 minutes per side. This Kuku Paka step adds authentic smoky flavor.
  3. Prepare Curry Base: In a pan, sauté onion in oil until soft. Add garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Stir in paprika, cumin, and coriander; cook 1 minute.
  4. Simmer Chicken: Add coconut milk and water/broth, then return chicken to the pan. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes until chicken is tender. This is the core of the East African chicken curry.
  5. Finish & Serve: Season with salt, garnish with fresh cilantro and lemon wedges, and serve hot with rice or flatbread. Enjoy your authentic Kuku Paka.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken for the richest flavor in your East African chicken curry.
  • Marinating overnight enhances the taste significantly for this Swahili chicken recipe.
  • Char or grill chicken before simmering for authentic smoky flavor in your Kuku Paka.
  • Simmer gently to prevent coconut milk from curdling.
  • Adjust spice level with more or fewer chilies to suit your taste in this Kenyan chicken stew recipe.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://quizsavor.com/east-african-kuku-paka/

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