Namibian Okahandja-Style Chicken
A flavorful and aromatic chicken dish, often prepared with a rich blend of spices and slow-cooked to tender perfection. This style of cooking is popular in the Okahandja region, known for its vibrant culinary traditions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Whole chicken(cut into 8 pieces)
- 3 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 2 chopped Large onions
- 4 minced Garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon Ginger(freshly grated)
- 2 chopped Bell peppers (mixed colors)
- 2 medium, chopped Tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Curry powder
- 2 teaspoons Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper(or to taste)
- 2 teaspoons Salt(or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 500 ml Water or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Optional: Marula oil(for finishing)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper.
- 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides until golden. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
- 3
Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the chopped bell peppers and tomatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- 5
Add the curry powder, smoked paprika, turmeric, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
- 6
Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Pour in the water or chicken broth. Bring the liquid to a simmer.
- 7
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the chicken is very tender. Stir occasionally, adding more liquid if needed.
- 8
Once the chicken is tender, remove the lid and let the stew simmer uncovered for another 15-20 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- 9
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. If using, drizzle with marula oil just before serving.
- 10
Serve hot with oshifima (stiff maize porridge), rice, or crusty bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using a 'hard body' chicken (free-range) will yield a more traditional flavor and texture, but requires longer cooking time.
- ✓Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred level of heat.
- ✓Marula oil adds a unique, subtle fruity note, but can be omitted if unavailable.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like carrots or potatoes along with the bell peppers and tomatoes.
- For a richer sauce, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste with the spices.