Sudanese Sugarcane and Ginger Chicken
A flavorful and aromatic chicken dish where chicken pieces are braised in a sweet and spicy sauce made from fresh sugarcane juice, ginger, garlic, and a blend of Sudanese spices. This dish offers a unique sweet and savory profile, highlighting the use of sugarcane, a common ingredient in Sudan.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken pieces(bone-in, skin-on, cut into serving pieces)
- 500 ml Fresh sugarcane juice
- 50 g Ginger(fresh, grated)
- 30 g Garlic(minced)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds
- 1 tsp Coriander seeds
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric powder
- 4 pods Cardamom pods
- 1 inch Cinnamon stick
- 1 leaf Bay leaf
- 0.5 tsp Chili flakes(or to taste)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for garnish Fresh cilantro
👨🍳 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 onion to the pot and sauté until softened and lightly browned.
- 3
Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add tomato paste, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, turmeric, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, and chili flakes. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices.
- 5
Return the chicken pieces to the pot. Pour in the fresh sugarcane juice. Season with salt and black pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure the sugarcane juice is fresh for the best flavor. - 6
Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 7
Remove the lid during the last 10 minutes of cooking if you wish to thicken the sauce slightly.
- 8
Discard the bay leaf, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
💡 Tip: Serve hot with rice, couscous, or Sudanese flatbread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If fresh sugarcane juice is unavailable, you can use a blend of equal parts water and sugar, but the flavor will be different.
- ✓Adjust chili flakes to your preferred level of heat.
- ✓The sweetness of the sugarcane juice can vary, so taste and adjust seasoning accordingly.
🔄 Variations
- Add a few dried dates to the stew for extra sweetness and depth.
- Incorporate a splash of lime juice at the end for a touch of acidity.