Kuku na Nyanya (Kenyan Chicken and Tomato Stew)
A hearty and flavorful Kenyan chicken and tomato stew, often simmered with aromatic spices and served with ugali or rice. This dish highlights the common use of tomatoes and onions as a base for many Kenyan stews.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken pieces(bone-in, skin-on)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 4 large Tomatoes(diced, or 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Curry powder
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides until golden. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 3
Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the tomatoes to break down.
- 6
Add the curry powder, turmeric, and cumin. Stir well to combine with the tomato mixture.
- 7
Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged. Bring to a simmer.
- 8
Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally.
- 9
Season the stew with additional salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken.
- 10
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Serve hot with ugali, rice, or chapati.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a spicier stew, add a chopped chili pepper along with the onions.
- ✓You can use chicken thighs or drumsticks for a richer flavor.
- ✓Ensure the chicken is well-browned for better flavor development.
🔄 Variations
- Add a can of rinsed and drained chickpeas for extra protein and texture.
- Incorporate other vegetables like diced bell peppers or carrots during the sautéing stage.
- For a creamier stew, stir in a tablespoon of coconut milk or cream at the end of cooking.