Chicken in Cumin Sauce

Cumin Sauce Recipe with Central African Roots

Region / culture: Central African Republic | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken in Cumin Sauce is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and savory cumin-infused sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests with its exotic flavors.

History

This recipe has its origins in North African and Middle Eastern cuisine, where cumin is a commonly used spice in savory dishes. The combination of cumin with tomatoes and garlic creates a delicious and fragrant sauce that pairs perfectly with chicken.

Ingredients

2 onions, finely chopped
1 can of tomato paste (or tomato sauce)
1 large can of stewed tomatoes or several fresh tomatoes
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tsp of cumin
cayenne pepper or red pepper, black pepper, salt (to taste)
1 chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces

How to prepare

In a large stew pot, combine all the ingredients except the Chicken. Stir until everything is well mixed. Bring the mixture to a slow boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about twenty minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the Chicken, cover, and simmer for another half hour or more, stirring occasionally, until the Chicken is thoroughly cooked.
Serve the dish with Baton de manioc / Chikwangue, or Fufu, or rice.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or carrots for added texture and flavor.
Substitute chicken thighs or drumsticks for a different taste and texture.
For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to finely chop the onions to ensure they cook down and blend well into the sauce.

- Adjust the amount of cumin to suit your taste preferences - you can add more or less depending on how strong you want the flavor to be.

- For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking.

- To add a bit of heat, you can sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Chicken in Cumin Sauce with Baton de manioc / Chikwangue, Fufu, or rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the sauce slowly allows the flavors to meld together and develop a rich and complex taste.

- Stirring occasionally ensures that the sauce does not stick to the bottom of the pot and burn.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cumin, you can use ground coriander or paprika as a substitute.

- You can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned stewed tomatoes for a fresher taste.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making it even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Chicken in Cumin Sauce with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it in a decorative serving dish for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A glass of white wine or a cold beer complements the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 12g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 8g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 15% of daily value per serving

Iron: 10% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and fats, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option.

Summary

Chicken in Cumin Sauce is a delicious and aromatic dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests. With its rich and savory sauce, tender chicken, and exotic flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little cottage on the outskirts of town. Maria was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and that day, she had prepared a mouthwatering dish that left me craving for more.

As we sat at her kitchen table, savoring each bite of the succulent chicken in cumin sauce, I couldn't help but ask her for the recipe. Maria smiled and told me that it was a family secret that had been passed down through generations. But she could see the longing in my eyes, and she finally relented, agreeing to teach me how to make it.

I watched intently as Maria expertly seasoned the chicken with a blend of aromatic spices, including cumin, paprika, and garlic. She then sautéed the chicken in a rich tomato sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. The smell wafting from the stove was intoxicating, and I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

Over the next few hours, Maria patiently guided me through each step of the recipe, offering tips and tricks along the way. She told me stories of her own grandmother, who had taught her how to cook when she was just a little girl. I could see the love and pride in Maria's eyes as she shared these memories with me, and I felt honored to be a part of this culinary tradition.

By the time we finished cooking, the kitchen was filled with the delicious aroma of the chicken in cumin sauce. Maria plated the dish beautifully, garnishing it with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite and was transported to a place of pure culinary bliss. The flavors were bold and complex, with the earthy warmth of the cumin shining through in every bite.

From that day on, the recipe for chicken in cumin sauce became a staple in my own kitchen. I would often make it for family gatherings and dinner parties, always receiving rave reviews from my guests. Whenever I cooked this dish, I would think of Maria and the special bond we shared over our love of food and tradition.

As the years passed, I continued to refine and perfect the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it my own. But the essence of the dish always remained the same – a tribute to the friendship and culinary legacy that Maria had passed down to me.

And so, whenever I cook chicken in cumin sauce, I am reminded of that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen, where I learned not just a recipe, but a lesson in the power of tradition, friendship, and the joy of sharing good food with the ones we love.