Ugandan Chicken and Vegetable Stew
A hearty and flavorful stew featuring tender chicken pieces simmered with a medley of vegetables in a rich, spiced broth. This dish is a comforting staple in Ugandan cuisine, often served with staple starches.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Chicken(cut into serving pieces)
- 4 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 4 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 1 large Green bell pepper(diced)
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and sliced)
- 2 medium Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 4 cups Chicken broth
- 1.5 tbsp Curry powder
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes - 2
Add chopped onions to the same pot and sauté until softened and translucent.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes - 3
Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 4
Add diced tomatoes and cook until they begin to break down.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Stir in curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 6
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add the diced green bell pepper, sliced carrots, and cubed potatoes.
💡 Tip: Ensure vegetables are evenly distributed around the chicken. - 7
Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring it mostly covers the chicken and vegetables. Bring the stew to a boil.
💡 Tip: If the liquid doesn't quite cover everything, add a little more broth or water. - 8
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
⏱️ 45-60 minutes💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 9
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
💡 Tip: The stew should have a rich, savory flavor.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in some of the spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- ✓You can add other vegetables like zucchini or green beans.
- ✓This stew pairs wonderfully with Posho (Ugali), rice, or boiled yams.
🔄 Variations
- For a spicier stew, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped fresh chili pepper.
- To make it creamier, stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter towards the end of cooking.