Tongabezi Chicken Curry

Tongabezi Chicken Curry Recipe from Zambia

Region / culture: Zambia | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tongabezi Chicken Curry is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken with a blend of spices and vegetables. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests with its rich and satisfying flavors.

History

This recipe is inspired by the traditional flavors of Indian and African cuisine, combining the bold spices of curry with the sweetness of butternut squash and sweet potatoes. The dish has been adapted and perfected over time to create a delicious and comforting meal that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

2 sweet potatoes
1 butternut squash
4 large chicken joints, halved
salt
freshly ground black pepper
vegetable oil
2 onions, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, skinned, seeded and diced
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
15 g (0.5 oz) fresh root ginger, finely chopped
6 cardamom seeds
1 heaped teaspoon curry powder
450 ml (0.75 pt) chicken stock
2 sticks lemon grass, bruised
2 small red chilies, finely chopped
300 ml (0.5 pt) yogurt
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh coriander

How to prepare

Parboil the sweet potatoes in their skins for about 10 minutes, then peel and cut them into thick slices.
Cut the squash into similar-sized pieces.
Season the chicken pieces. Heat some vegetable oil in a large pan and fry the chicken for about 15 minutes until golden.
Remove the chicken from the pan and keep it warm. Add the onions to the pan and cook them gently until soft. Then, add the tomatoes, garlic, ginger, cardamom, and curry powder. Cook for a few minutes.
Return the chicken to the pan, add the stock and lemongrass. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Meanwhile, heat a little more vegetable oil in another pan and fry the pieces of sweet potato and squash over medium heat for about 10 minutes until they are slightly golden and crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside. Keep them warm.
When the chicken is cooked, add the chopped chillies to the pan and cook for 2 minutes or so.
Stir in the yogurt and heat it through without boiling.
Sprinkle with chopped coriander and serve with the sautéed sweet potatoes and squash.

Variations

Add vegetables such as bell peppers or peas for added color and flavor.
Use coconut milk instead of yogurt for a creamier texture.
Experiment with different spices such as cumin or turmeric for a unique twist on the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the chicken well before cooking to enhance the flavors of the dish.

- Be sure to cook the sweet potatoes and squash until they are golden and crispy on the outside but soft on the inside for the perfect texture.

- Adjust the amount of chili according to your spice preference to make the dish as mild or as spicy as you like.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tongabezi Chicken Curry with steamed rice or naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Parboil the sweet potatoes before frying to ensure they are cooked through.

- Simmer the chicken in the curry sauce to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken thighs or breasts instead of joints if desired.

- Substitute pumpkin for butternut squash for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the curry sauce ahead of time and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. Cook the chicken and vegetables just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh coriander and a dollop of yogurt for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Tongabezi Chicken Curry with a side of cucumber raita and mango chutney for a complete Indian-inspired 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

Each serving of Tongabezi Chicken Curry contains approximately 400 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal.

Carbohydrates

The sweet potatoes and butternut squash in this dish provide a good source of carbohydrates, giving you energy to fuel your day.

Fats

The chicken and vegetable oil in this recipe provide a healthy dose of fats, essential for brain function and overall health.

Proteins

Chicken is a great source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is packed with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and spices, providing you with essential nutrients for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy in the form of yogurt, so be sure to check for any dairy allergies before serving.

Summary

Overall, Tongabezi Chicken Curry is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals for a nutritious and delicious meal.

Summary

Tongabezi Chicken Curry is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a blend of spices and vegetables for a satisfying meal. With its rich flavors and nutritious ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Tongabezi Chicken Curry. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a dear friend who had recently returned from a trip to Africa. She invited me over for lunch and promised to cook me a delicious meal that she had learned during her travels. Little did I know that this meal would become one of my all-time favorites.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I could smell the fragrant spices and aromas that filled the air. The room was filled with the sounds of sizzling onions and garlic, and my mouth watered in anticipation of the meal to come.

My friend, who had always been an adventurous cook, explained that she had learned this recipe for Tongabezi Chicken Curry from a local chef during her stay at a luxury safari lodge in Zambia. The chef had graciously shared his secret recipe with her, and she had been eager to recreate it for her friends back home.

I watched as she expertly chopped the vegetables and marinated the chicken in a blend of exotic spices and herbs. The smell was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the final product.

As the curry simmered on the stove, my friend shared stories of her time in Africa - of the breathtaking landscapes, the vibrant culture, and the warm hospitality of the people she had met. I listened intently, captivated by her tales and the sense of adventure that seemed to fill every corner of her kitchen.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived. My friend ladled the steaming curry onto plates and garnished it with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. The colors were vibrant, the flavors bold and complex. I took my first bite and was immediately transported to a world of spicy, savory goodness.

The chicken was tender and juicy, the sauce rich and creamy. The blend of spices - turmeric, cumin, coriander - created a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds. I closed my eyes in bliss, savoring every mouthful.

From that day on, Tongabezi Chicken Curry became a staple in my own kitchen. I recreated the recipe for family gatherings, dinner parties, and quiet nights at home. Each time I made it, I felt a connection to my friend and to the faraway lands that had inspired this culinary masterpiece.

Over the years, I added my own twists and adaptations to the recipe, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques. I shared it with my own friends and family, passing on the tradition of Tongabezi Chicken Curry to the next generation.

And now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing this beloved dish once again, I am filled with memories of that fateful day when I first discovered the magic of Tongabezi Chicken Curry. It is a recipe that has traveled across continents and generations, bringing joy and comfort to all who taste its delicious flavors.

As I sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of curry, I raise my glass in a silent toast to my friend, to the chef in Zambia, and to the power of food to connect us to distant places and cherished memories. And as I take my first bite, I am reminded once again of the sense of anticipation and wonder that first sparked my love affair with this extraordinary recipe.