Kelepi Moa
Tongan Chicken Stew
Kelepi Moa is a hearty and flavorful Tongan chicken stew, slow-cooked with root vegetables and infused with the rich taste of coconut milk. It's a comforting dish that showcases the staple ingredients of Tongan cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken thighs(bone-in, skin-on, cut into serving pieces)
- 2 tbsp Coconut oil
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tbsp Ginger(grated)
- 500 g Taro(peeled and cubed)
- 500 g Sweet potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 500 g Pumpkin(peeled and cubed)
- 800 ml Full-fat coconut milk
- 200 ml Water
- 1.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 2 leaves Bay leaves
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat coconut oil in a large, heavy-bottomed 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
Add the cubed taro, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin to the pot. Stir to combine with the onions, garlic, and ginger.
- 5
Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Pour in the coconut milk and water. Add the bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to combine.
- 6
Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the root vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove bay leaves before serving.
- 8
Serve hot, traditionally with rice or taro.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can marinate the chicken in salt, pepper, and a little lime juice for 30 minutes before browning.
- ✓If the stew becomes too thick during cooking, add a little more water or coconut milk.
- ✓Ensure the root vegetables are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like carrots or green beans.
- For a spicier kick, add a chopped chili pepper with the onions.
- Use pork or beef instead of chicken.