Kenyan Kuku Paka
Embark on a culinary adventure in Kenya with Kuku Paka, a tantalizing dish that sets itself apart by an exceptional step: grilling marinated chicken to perfection before they meet a creamy coconut sauce. This unique preparation infuses the succulent chicken with a smoky, charred essence that pairs harmoniously with the rich, aromatic coconut-infused sauce.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb chicken thighs [1]
Fresh Produce
- 1 lemon for juice
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic pressed or grated
- 1-2 green chili peppers (optional)
- 1 medium tomato finely chopped
Packaged Goods/Staples
- 1 can coconut milk (14-15 oz)
- oil
- salt & pepper
Culinary Spice Kit
- 1 pouch Orange peel, ginger, turmeric, salt, anardana, amchoor, cumin, black peppercorn, chilies, asafoetida, thyme, mint
Suggested Sides
- Rice
- Flatbread
- Ugali (a polenta-like dish) https://spicebreeze.com/blog/kenyan-sukuma-wiki/
- Irio see recipe in notes
- Greens beans steamed or fried
- Sukuma Wiki (seasoned with salt & pepper) https://spicebreeze.com/blog/kenyan-sukuma-wiki/
- Lettuce salad https://spicebreeze.com/blog/culinary-building-blocks-salad-bar-leafy-greens/
Instructions
Grill - Marinade
- In a CONTAINER, mix Kuku Paka spices with 1 tbsp lemon juice and 2 tbsp oil.
- Season chicken with salt to taste.
- Add the chicken to the container and coat it well with the marinade.
- Let it marinate for 1-2 hours.
- Take chicken out. Shake off excess liquid.
- Add coconut milk to the container. Set aside.
Grill or Broil
- Grill or broil the chicken pieces until there are browned on all sides.
Stew - 1. Fry Aroma-Veggies
- In a large POT, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat. Fry the onions until they turn golden brown, stirring frequently.
- Add the garlic and optionally chilies. Fry for 1 minute.
- Add the tomatoes. Mix well. Cook until it turns into a paste-like mixture. Stir frequently.
Stew - 2. Add Meat & Coconut Milk
- Add the chicken, coconut milk, and salt & pepper to taste.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 20-30 minutes. Adjust salt & pepper to taste.
Serve
- Sprinkle the plated dish with lemon juice.
- Enjoy!
Notes
[1] Substitute with chicken tender or breast or white firm fish (e.g. halibut). Cut larger pieces into 2-3 parts.
Ugali recipe: see notes in the Kenyan Sukuma Wiki recipe
Irio Recipe
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch slices
- 1/3 cup each: frozen green peas and corn kernels
- In a POT, bring 1 cup of lightly salted water to a boil.
- Add potatoes. Cook until almost tender.
- Add green peas. Cook until the potatoes are tender.
- Turn the heat off. Drain, but keep about 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
- Mash the potatoes and peas. Return some of the cooking water as needed.
- Add the corn and mix well. Cover and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Add salt & pepper to taste.
Marceline Reid-Jaques
2022-12-14
Karen Jones
2022-12-05
Wonderful, flavorful meals using readily available ingredients!
ann davis
2022-11-29
My daughter gave me a subscription as a Christmas present while our families were quarantining together. It was so much fun! It introduced us to several cuisines that were totally new to us. The recipes were easy to follow and the spices were transformative - fresh and pungent and delicious.
Jessica Brown
2022-05-22
The best way to try new dishes!