Mbika na Soso (Chicken with Pumpkin Seeds)
A flavorful and hearty Congolese dish featuring chicken cooked with ground pumpkin seeds, creating a rich and savory sauce. It's often seasoned with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spices, offering a unique taste of Congolese home cooking.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 whole Chicken(cut into pieces)
- 1 cup Pumpkin seeds (Mbika)(roasted and ground)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 large Tomatoes(pureed or finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 tbsp Jumbo All Purpose Seasoning
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper(optional, to taste)
- to taste Salt
- 2 cups Water(or as needed)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken pieces with salt and Jumbo All Purpose Seasoning. Set aside.
💡 Tip: Ensure chicken is well-coated with seasoning. - 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the pureed tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- 5
Add the ground pumpkin seeds (mbika) to the pot. Stir well to combine with the sauce.
💡 Tip: Ensure the pumpkin seeds are well incorporated to avoid lumps. - 6
Add the seasoned chicken pieces, bay leaves, and scotch bonnet pepper (if using) to the pot. Pour in water, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged.
- 7
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 8
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Remove bay leaves before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother sauce, ensure the pumpkin seeds are finely ground.
- ✓If you cannot find scotch bonnet pepper, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be used for heat.
- ✓This dish is traditionally served with rice, fufu, or fried plantains.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach towards the end of cooking.
- For a richer flavor, use chicken thighs or drumsticks.