Kuku Paka (Chicken in Coconut Sauce)
A flavorful and creamy chicken dish simmered in a rich coconut milk sauce, often infused with aromatic spices. This Swahili-influenced dish is a popular celebratory meal in Rwanda.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken(cut into pieces, bone-in or boneless)
- 400 ml Coconut milk(full fat)
- 2 medium Onions(finely chopped)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 0.5 tsp Chili powder(or to taste)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Marinate the chicken pieces with salt, turmeric, cumin, and coriander powders for at least 15 minutes.
- 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until softened and lightly golden.
- 3
Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the diced tomatoes and chili powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and form a thick sauce.
- 5
Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pot and brown them on all sides.
- 6
Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- 7
Adjust salt to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
💡 Tip: The sauce should be rich and creamy, coating the chicken well.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a spicier dish, add more chili powder or a fresh green chili.
- ✓Ensure the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- ✓Serve hot with rice, ugali, or chapati.
🔄 Variations
- Add a squeeze of lime juice at the end for a touch of acidity.
- Include other vegetables like bell peppers or peas.