Kuku wa Mchuzi na Viazi (Chicken Stew with Potatoes)
A hearty and flavorful Tanzanian chicken stew, simmered with potatoes, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. This dish is a comforting staple, often served with ugali or rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken(cut into pieces)
- 500 g Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 400 g Tomatoes(chopped or crushed)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 500 ml Chicken broth or water
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- a handful Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 2
Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and brown them on all sides. This will take about 8-10 minutes.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Stir in the tomato paste, turmeric, cumin, and coriander powders. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
- 5
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down and form a sauce, about 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 6
Pour in the chicken broth or water, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- 7
Add the cubed potatoes to the pot. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 8
Adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can use chicken thighs instead of a whole chicken.
- ✓If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more broth or water.
- ✓Serve hot with ugali, rice, or chapati.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers along with the potatoes.
- For a spicier kick, add a chopped chili pepper with the onions.