Comorian Chicken Faham
Aromatic and flavorful grilled chicken marinated in a blend of Middle Eastern and Comorian spices, yogurt, and lemon. 'Faham' refers to charcoal, indicating its traditional cooking method, resulting in a smoky and succulent dish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Whole chicken(cut into pieces or use thighs/drumsticks)
- 1 cup Full-fat yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced or paste)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated or paste)
- 1 tablespoon Cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon Coriander seeds
- 4 Green cardamom pods
- 4 Cloves
- 1 inch piece Cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon Black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 medium Red onion(chopped)
- 1 small Tomato(chopped)
- 2-3 Green chilies(optional, to taste)
- 1/4 cup Coriander leaves(chopped)
- to taste Salt
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil(for marinade)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Toast the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, and black peppercorns in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Let cool slightly, then grind into a fine powder.
- 2
In a food processor or blender, combine the ground spices, turmeric powder, paprika, chopped red onion, chopped tomato, green chilies (if using), chopped coriander leaves, minced garlic, grated ginger, lemon juice, yogurt, vegetable oil, and salt. Process until a smooth paste forms.
- 3
Score the chicken pieces with a sharp knife. Place the chicken in a bowl and coat thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight.
- 4
Preheat your grill or oven to 200°C (400°F). If grilling, ensure the grates are clean and oiled.
- 5
Grill or bake the chicken for 30-40 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and nicely charred. The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F).
- 6
If using an oven, you can broil the chicken for the last few minutes to achieve a smoky char.
- 7
Serve hot, garnished with extra coriander leaves. It is traditionally served with rice or flatbread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Marinating the chicken overnight will result in deeper flavor and more tender meat.
- ✓For a smoky flavor without a grill, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade or use a smoking gun after cooking.
- ✓Adjust the amount of green chilies based on your spice preference.
🔄 Variations
- Use chicken thighs or drumsticks for quicker cooking.
- Add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the marinade for a richer color and flavor.