Botswana Chicken and Corn Stew
Koko le Mabele a Mmidi
A hearty and flavorful stew combining tender chicken pieces with sweet corn and a rich, savory broth, often thickened with a cornmeal base. This dish offers a delightful balance of sweetness from the corn and the savory depth of the chicken.
🧂 Ingredients
- 800 g Chicken thighs(boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tbsp Ginger(grated)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned diced)
- 750 ml Chicken broth
- 400 g Sweet corn kernels(frozen or canned, drained)
- 100 g Cornmeal (Mabele)(fine grind, for thickening)
- 1 tbsp Curry powder
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 0.25 cup Fresh coriander(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. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 2
Add chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add diced tomatoes, curry powder, and turmeric. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring to combine.
- 5
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Ensure chicken is mostly submerged in liquid. - 6
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- 7
In a small bowl, whisk the cornmeal with a little cold water to form a smooth paste. Gradually stir this paste into the simmering stew to thicken it.
💡 Tip: Add slowly to avoid lumps. - 8
Add the sweet corn kernels to the stew. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the stew to thicken further.
- 9
Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped coriander.
💡 Tip: Excellent served with a side of pap (stiff maize porridge).
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a spicier stew, add a pinch of chili flakes or a chopped fresh chili with the garlic and ginger.
- ✓If you don't have cornmeal, you can use a cornstarch slurry (2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 4 tbsp cold water) to thicken the stew.
- ✓Adjust the amount of cornmeal to achieve your desired stew consistency.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like diced carrots, bell peppers, or potatoes along with the tomatoes.
- For a richer flavor, use chicken stock instead of broth.
- Incorporate a can of coconut milk in the last 15 minutes of simmering for a creamy, tropical twist.