South Sudan Chicken and Rice Stew
A hearty and flavorful one-pot dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered with rice, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of traditional spices. This comforting meal is a staple in many South Sudanese households, offering a complete and satisfying dining experience.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken(cut into pieces, bone-in or boneless)
- 2 cups Rice(long-grain, rinsed)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 400 g Tomatoes(crushed or diced)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(chopped (any color))
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 4 cups Chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Coriander
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric
- 0.5 tsp Chili powder(or to taste)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 2
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the chopped bell pepper and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- 5
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
- 6
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- 7
Stir in the rinsed rice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- 8
Let the stew rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can marinate the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- ✓Adjust the chili powder to your preferred level of heat.
- ✓Ensure the rice is well-rinsed to remove excess starch, which can make the stew gummy.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like carrots, peas, or sweet potatoes along with the bell peppers.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth, adding firm tofu or chickpeas.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten the flavors.