Ugandan Chicken Stew

Ugandan Chicken Stew Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: Uganda | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Ugandan Chicken Stew is a flavorful and hearty dish that is a staple in Ugandan cuisine. This stew is made with tender pieces of chicken, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes, all simmered together in a delicious broth. It is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.

History

Chicken stew is a popular dish in Uganda, where it is often served as a main course for lunch or dinner. The recipe has been passed down through generations and is a favorite among families and communities. The combination of chicken, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes creates a rich and flavorful stew that is loved by many.

Ingredients

1 fryer chicken, cut into pieces
4 tbsp oil
1 large onion, sliced
2 or 3 tomatoes, peeled and cut into eighths
2 potatoes, peeled and sliced
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp pepper

How to prepare

In a heavy stewing pan, sauté the chicken pieces in hot oil until they are nicely browned.
Add the onion, tomatoes, potatoes, salt, pepper, and enough water to just cover them.
Cover the pan and simmer until the chicken is cooked, which should take around 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Variations

Add coconut milk for a creamy twist.
Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a different flavor.
Add curry powder or chili flakes for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the chicken pieces before adding the other ingredients to enhance the flavor of the stew.

- Simmer the stew on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender.

- Feel free to add other vegetables or spices to customize the stew to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Ugandan Chicken Stew can be served with rice, ugali, or chapati for a complete meal. It can also be enjoyed with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken before simmering helps to develop the flavor of the stew.

- Simmering the stew on low heat allows the ingredients to cook slowly and evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts instead of a whole chicken.

- Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or peas.

Make Ahead Tips

Ugandan Chicken Stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Ugandan Chicken Stew in a large bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a beautiful presentation. You can also garnish with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for added creaminess.

Pairing Recommendations

Ugandan Chicken Stew pairs well with a side of rice, ugali, or chapati. It also goes well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Ugandan Chicken Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Approximately 400 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Potatoes: 26g per serving

- Tomatoes: 5g per serving

- Onions: 10g per serving

Fats

- Oil: 14g per serving

Proteins

- Chicken: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C and potassium.

- Potatoes are high in vitamin B6 and potassium.

Alergens

None

Summary

Ugandan Chicken Stew is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a nutritious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family meal.

Summary

Ugandan Chicken Stew is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful combination of chicken, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes, this stew is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this hearty meal with your loved ones and savor the rich flavors of Ugandan cuisine.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the first time I saw this recipe for Ugandan Chicken Stew. It was a warm summer day many years ago, and I was visiting my friend Mary in her cozy little kitchen. Mary had recently returned from a trip to Uganda, and she was eager to share the culinary wonders she had discovered there.

As we sat at her kitchen table, sipping on cups of steaming chai tea, Mary pulled out a worn, stained notebook from her bag. She opened it to a page filled with scribbled notes and colorful drawings of ingredients. "This is the recipe for Ugandan Chicken Stew," she said with a smile. "It's one of my favorite dishes from my time in Uganda."

I leaned in closer, my curiosity piqued. The ingredients list was simple but exotic - chicken, tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, and a medley of spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika. Mary explained each step of the cooking process, from marinating the chicken in a fragrant spice blend to slow-simmering it in a rich tomato sauce until it was tender and flavorful.

I was captivated by the flavors and aromas that filled Mary's kitchen as she cooked. The warm, earthy scent of the spices mingled with the sweet tang of tomatoes and onions, creating a mouthwatering aroma that made my stomach growl with anticipation.

As we sat down to eat, Mary served the steaming stew over a bed of fluffy white rice. The tender chunks of chicken were bathed in a thick, savory sauce that had absorbed all the flavors of the spices and vegetables. With each bite, my taste buds were tantalized by a symphony of flavors - spicy, tangy, and sweet all at once.

I couldn't get enough of the Ugandan Chicken Stew. I asked Mary for the recipe, and she graciously wrote it down for me in my own notebook. From that moment on, it became a staple in my own repertoire of recipes.

Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, each time tweaking and refining the recipe to suit my own tastes. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about its delicious flavors and comforting warmth.

But it wasn't just the recipe itself that made the Ugandan Chicken Stew special to me. It was the memories of that day in Mary's kitchen, of the laughter and camaraderie we shared as we cooked together. It was the sense of adventure and discovery that came with trying a new and exotic dish from a far-off land.

As I sit here now, stirring a pot of fragrant Ugandan Chicken Stew on my own stove, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and friendships that have shaped my love of cooking. This recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions - it is a living, breathing connection to the world beyond my own kitchen, a reminder of the beauty and diversity of the culinary traditions that bring us all together.

And so, as I take a spoonful of the rich, aromatic stew and savor its complex flavors, I am transported back to that warm summer day in Mary's kitchen, where my love affair with Ugandan Chicken Stew began. And I am grateful for the journey that has led me to this moment, where I can share this delicious dish with all those I hold dear.