Botswana Chicken and Dumplings (Koko le Dinoko)
A comforting and hearty stew featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, savory broth with soft, fluffy dumplings. This dish is a popular home-style meal, often prepared for family gatherings.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Whole chicken(cut into pieces)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 3 medium Carrots(peeled and chopped)
- 3 medium Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1.5 liters Chicken broth
- 500 ml Water
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2 pieces Bay leaves
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 2 tsp Baking powder
- 0.5 tsp Salt(for dumplings)
- 0.75 cup Milk(approximately, for dumplings)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 2
Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Return the chicken to the pot. Add chicken broth, water, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until chicken is tender.
- 4
Add chopped carrots and cubed potatoes to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 20-30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- 5
While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the dumplings. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir in milk until a soft, sticky dough forms. Do not overmix.
💡 Tip: The dough should be wet enough to drop from a spoon. - 6
Increase the heat of the stew to a gentle simmer. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering stew. Cover the pot tightly and cook for 15-20 minutes without lifting the lid.
💡 Tip: Do not lift the lid while the dumplings are steaming, as this can make them dense. - 7
Once dumplings are cooked through and fluffy, remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
💡 Tip: A toothpick inserted into a dumpling should come out clean.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can use chicken stock instead of broth.
- ✓Ensure the stew is simmering gently when adding the dumplings to prevent them from breaking apart.
- ✓If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more broth or water.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the stew.
- Some variations include adding a tablespoon of tomato paste for color and depth.