Chicken With Coconut

Chicken with Coconut Recipe from Haiti | Tomatoes, Curry, and More

Region / culture: Haiti | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken with coconut is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with the rich and creamy taste of coconut. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner.

History

The origins of chicken with coconut can be traced back to South Asian cuisine, where coconut is a staple ingredient in many dishes. The combination of chicken and coconut creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that has become popular in many different cultures around the world.

Ingredients

2 chickens, approximately 10.5 lb (4.76 kg) each, split into halves.
3 medium tomatoes, sliced
salt, pepper, flour, oil
0.33 cup grated coconut
2 medium onions, sliced
3 cups chicken bouillon
0.75 tsp curry powder
1 sliced pepper
pinch of saffron
paprika to taste

How to prepare

Put salt, pepper, and flour into a large paper bag. Add the chicken to the bag and shake it until the chicken is well coated.
In a thick skillet, heat oil and brown the chicken. Remove the chicken from the pan and gently cook onions, sliced peppers, tomatoes, curry, saffron, and paprika. Return the chicken to the pan and cook over low heat until it becomes tender.
While the chicken is cooking, simmer coconut in bouillon for 10 minutes. Strain the mixture and pour it over the chicken. Stir well and allow the flavors to blend. Serve.

Variations

You can add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or potatoes to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.
For a spicier version, add more curry powder or chili flakes to the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the chicken before adding it back to the pan with the onions, peppers, and tomatoes. This will help to seal in the juices and create a crispy exterior.

- Be sure to simmer the coconut in the bouillon before adding it to the chicken. This will help to infuse the coconut flavor into the dish.

- Adjust the amount of curry powder and paprika to suit your taste preferences. You can also add other spices or herbs to customize the flavor of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chicken with coconut over a bed of rice or with a side of naan bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken before cooking it with the onions, peppers, and tomatoes helps to seal in the juices and create a crispy exterior.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs instead of whole chickens for a quicker cooking time.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken with coconut ahead of time and reheat it before serving. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro or chopped peanuts for added texture and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the chicken with coconut with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

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

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

5g per serving

Fats

12g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains coconut and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and healthy fats, while also providing essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken with coconut is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner. With a rich and creamy coconut sauce, tender chicken, and a blend of spices, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Chicken With Coconut. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. She had just returned from a trip to Thailand and was eager to share with me the delicious flavors she had discovered.

As she pulled out her worn cookbook filled with exotic recipes, I couldn't help but be drawn in by the vibrant colors and enticing aromas that seemed to leap off the pages. There it was, nestled among the pages like a hidden treasure - Chicken With Coconut.

Maria explained to me that this dish was a traditional Thai recipe that she had learned from a local chef during her travels. It combined tender pieces of chicken with creamy coconut milk and a medley of fragrant spices to create a dish that was both comforting and exotic.

I watched in awe as Maria deftly chopped and sliced, her hands moving with a grace and precision that only comes from years of practice. She explained each step to me in detail, sharing the wisdom and knowledge that she had gained from her culinary adventures.

As the fragrant scent of coconut and spices filled the air, I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself. Maria graciously agreed to teach me, and over the course of the afternoon, I carefully followed her instructions, taking note of every detail and technique.

The key, she explained, was to marinate the chicken in a mixture of coconut milk, ginger, garlic, and lemongrass, allowing the flavors to meld and develop before cooking. This step was crucial, she emphasized, as it would ensure that the chicken was tender and infused with the rich, aromatic flavors of the marinade.

Next came the cooking process, which involved sautéing the marinated chicken in a hot skillet until it was golden brown and caramelized. Then, the remaining coconut milk was added, along with a splash of fish sauce and a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.

As the dish simmered and bubbled on the stove, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. The kitchen was filled with the tantalizing aroma of coconut and spices, and I knew that this dish would be a hit with my family and friends.

When the Chicken With Coconut was finally ready, I eagerly served it up, garnishing it with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. The flavors were incredible - rich and creamy, with a hint of sweetness and a touch of heat from the spices.

My family devoured the dish, showering me with compliments and praise. They couldn't believe that I had managed to recreate such a complex and delicious recipe, and I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride in my chest.

From that day on, Chicken With Coconut became a staple in my culinary repertoire. I continued to make it for special occasions and gatherings, delighting in the reactions of my guests as they savored each mouthful.

As the years passed, I shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the knowledge and wisdom that Maria had imparted to me. Each time I made the dish, I felt a connection to the exotic flavors and vibrant culture of Thailand, a reminder of the wonderful experiences and friendships that had shaped my culinary journey.

And so, as I sit here reminiscing about that fateful day in Maria's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of this recipe. It has brought me joy, satisfaction, and a sense of connection to a world far beyond my own, reminding me of the power of food to unite us all in a shared experience of flavors, aromas, and memories.