Kuku Paka

Kuku Paka is a deliciously creamy, rich, and flavorful Swahili chicken curry combining the warmth of spices with the smoothness of coconut milk. It's a beloved East African dish, perfect for savoring with chapati and a refreshing glass of coconut water.

Ingredients

🐔 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
🧂 Salt, generously sprinkled
🧄 1 tsp minced ginger and garlic
🌿 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
🧂 1 tsp coriander-cumin powder
🌶️ 1/2 tsp chili powder
🍋 Juice from 1/2 lemon

🫒 2 tbsp oil
🧅 1 large onion, chopped
🌶️ 1 green chili, chopped
🧄 1 tbsp minced ginger-garlic
🌿 1 tsp cumin powder
🌿 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
🍅 1 tomato, chopped
🧂 Salt
🥥 400 ml Kara UHT Coconut Milk, Classic variant
🌿 Fresh coriander leaves

🍞 Chapati
🥥 Kara Coco Coconut Water

Instructions

1- Marinate the Chicken:

Place the chicken pieces in a mixing bowl.
Add salt, minced ginger and garlic, turmeric powder, coriander-cumin powder, chili powder, and lemon juice.
Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly and set aside.

2- Sear the Chicken:

Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Place marinated chicken pieces in the pot and cook for 10 minutes on each side until browned.
Remove and set aside.

3- Prepare the Sauce Base:

In the same pot, add onions, green chili, and ginger-garlic mix to the leftover oil.
Sauté for 1 minute.
Add cumin powder and turmeric powder; mix well.
Incorporate chopped tomato and salt, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes until the tomatoes soften.

4- Add Coconut Milk and Simmer:

Pour in the Kara UHT Coconut Milk, stirring to achieve a creamy sauce.
Reintroduce the chicken and juices to the pot.
Coat chicken in sauce, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.

5- Serve:

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Pair with chapati and a glass of Kara Coco Coconut Water.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Calories: 350 per serving
Proteins: 30g per serving
Fats: 20g per serving
Carbohydrates: 15g per serving
Equipment: Mixing bowl, Dutch oven (enameled cast iron pot), Tongs, Wooden spoon, Measuring spoons, Knife, Cutting board