Kuku wa Kupaka na Pilipili Umbo
A flavorful Tanzanian grilled chicken dish marinated in a blend of spices, ginger, garlic, and chili, then grilled to perfection. Often served with a side of 'pilipili umbo' (a spicy tomato and onion relish) for an extra kick.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken(cut into pieces (thighs and drumsticks recommended))
- 2 medium Onions(finely chopped)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(finely chopped)
- 5 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 2-3 Green chilies(finely chopped (adjust to taste))
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp Curry powder
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- a handful Fresh coriander(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
In a separate bowl, prepare the marinade: mix minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green chilies, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and coriander powder.
- 3
Add the marinade to the marinated chicken and mix well to ensure each piece is coated. Let it marinate for another 10 minutes.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
⏱️ 7 minutes💡 Tip: Caramelizing the onions adds sweetness. - 5
Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they soften and break down, forming a thick sauce.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet with the onion-tomato mixture. Sear the chicken on all sides until lightly browned.
💡 Tip: Searing locks in the juices. - 7
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked through and tender.
⏱️ 25 minutes - 8
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
💡 Tip: Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end. - 9
Garnish with fresh chopped coriander before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For grilling, you can use a grill pan or an outdoor grill. Grill the chicken pieces over medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely charred.
- ✓Serve with 'pilipili umbo' (a relish of finely chopped tomatoes, onions, and chili peppers with lemon juice) for an authentic experience.
- ✓This dish pairs well with rice, ugali, or chapati.
🔄 Variations
- Add a splash of coconut milk towards the end of cooking for a creamier sauce.
- Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or potatoes into the sauce.