Kuku na Wali wa Nazi (Tanzanian Chicken and Coconut Rice)
A fragrant and flavorful one-pot dish featuring tender chicken simmered with aromatic spices and cooked in creamy coconut milk infused rice. This dish is a celebration of Tanzanian flavors.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Chicken thighs(boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 2 tbsp Curry powder
- 1 tsp Ground turmeric
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 cup Diced tomatoes
- 1 can (13.5 oz) Coconut milk
- 1 cup Water or chicken broth
- 1.5 cups Basmati rice(rinsed and drained)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 2
Add chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in curry powder, turmeric, and cumin. Cook for 1 minute until spices are fragrant.
- 4
Add diced tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- 5
Pour in coconut milk and water or chicken broth. Bring to a simmer. Stir in the rinsed basmati rice and salt. Return the chicken to the pot.
- 6
Bring the mixture back to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Let stand for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- 7
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the rice is well rinsed to prevent a gummy texture.
- ✓If the rice is not fully cooked after 20 minutes, add a tablespoon or two of water, cover, and cook for a few more minutes.
- ✓For a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of water.
🔄 Variations
- Add vegetables like peas, diced carrots, or green beans along with the rice.
- Use chicken breast instead of thighs, but adjust cooking time to prevent drying out.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped chili.