Botswana Chicken and Pumpkin Stew (Koko le Letlapala)
A hearty and flavorful stew combining tender chicken pieces with sweet pumpkin, simmered in a rich, savory broth with traditional spices. This dish is a comforting staple, often enjoyed during cooler months.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken pieces(bone-in, skin-on thighs and drumsticks recommended)
- 800 g Pumpkin(peeled, seeded, and cubed)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger(grated fresh)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned chopped or fresh, pureed)
- 500 ml Chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Curry powder
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- a handful Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown chicken pieces on all sides until golden. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 3
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Add curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes until spices are fragrant.
- 6
Pour in the pureed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- 7
Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Add the cubed pumpkin.
- 8
Bring the stew back to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and pumpkin is tender. Stir occasionally.
- 9
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- 10
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. This stew is often served with pap (a stiff maize porridge) or rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can marinate the chicken in some of the spices for at least 30 minutes before browning.
- ✓If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water.
- ✓Ensure the pumpkin is not overcooked, as it can become mushy.
🔄 Variations
- Add a can of coconut milk for a creamier stew.
- Include other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
- For a spicier kick, add a chopped chili pepper with the garlic and ginger.