If you love fusion cuisine, you will surely love this recipe! Kuku Paka (also known as Kuku wa Paka), is a delightful fusion of Kenyan and Indian influences that results in a creamy coconut curry like no other. A recipe that you can't truly miss!
Using a blender or food processor, combine the Roma tomatoes and green chilies, along with half of the onions, using just a small amount of water.
Finely chop the remaining onions and keep them aside.
In a large pan or pot over medium heat, sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic in coconut oil until they turn translucent.
Now, in a separate bowl, place the boneless chicken thighs and season them with turmeric and salt. Massage the spices into the chicken.
Brown both sides of the seasoned chicken in the coconut oil, allowing them to cook for about 5 minutes per side.
Add the blended tomato mixture to the pot and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Next, pour in the unsweetened coconut milk and incorporate the aromatic blend of curry powder, cumin, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper.
Allow the mixture to cook for approximately 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches the desired internal temperature.
Take the hard-boiled eggs, slice them in half, and gently place them into the simmering sauce, adding a dash of zesty lemon juice for extra flavor.
At the very end, taste the dish for seasoning and adjust the salt and spices to your preference. Continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Notes
For an even more flavorful dish, marinate the chicken pieces in the coconut milk and spices for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This extra soak will infuse the chicken with rich, aromatic flavors.
Adjust the level of heat to your liking by increasing or decreasing the amount of pepper in the recipe. If you want a milder dish, decrease the spices; on the other hand, if you want a spicier dish, you can also add some hot peppers or chili powder!
While this dish traditionally features chicken, you can definitely experiment with different proteins like shrimp, fish, or even tofu or ditch the meat for a vegetarian twist. Additionally, you can add a medley of colorful vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, or peas, for extra texture and flavor.
Looking for a bit of a nutty twist? Enhance the depth of flavor by incorporating ground nuts like cashews, almonds, or peanuts into the sauce. Simply blend them with the coconut milk for a nutty and creamy twist on the classic.
To achieve that authentic smoky flavor, grill the chicken over a charcoal grill before adding it to the sauce.