Poulet à la Vanille
Chicken with Vanilla Sauce
A unique Comorian dish featuring chicken simmered in a fragrant vanilla-infused sauce, often enriched with coconut milk and aromatic spices. This dish highlights the islands' renowned vanilla production and their love for combining sweet and savory flavors.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken(cut into pieces (thighs and drumsticks recommended))
- 2 medium Onions(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(fresh, grated)
- 1 pod Vanilla bean(split lengthwise, seeds scraped)
- 400 ml Coconut milk(full fat)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 0.5 tsp Ground cloves
- 0.5 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 100 ml Water(optional, if sauce is too thick)
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper.
- 2
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.
- 3
Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Stir in the ground cloves, cinnamon, and turmeric. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- 6
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add the scraped vanilla seeds and the vanilla pod. Pour in the coconut milk and 100ml of water (if using). Stir to combine.
- 7
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally.
- 8
Remove the vanilla pod before serving. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water.
- 9
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot, typically with steamed rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using chicken thighs and drumsticks will result in more tender and flavorful meat.
- ✓Ensure you scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean for maximum flavor infusion.
- ✓If you cannot find fresh vanilla beans, you can use 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, added in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add some diced tomatoes along with the onions for a richer sauce.
- A pinch of cayenne pepper can be added for a hint of spice.