Aromatic East African Coconut Chicken Curry Soup
Experience the rich and vibrant flavors of East Africa with this delightful Coconut Chicken Curry Soup. Infused with aromatic spices and the essence of coconut, each spoonful provides a comforting warmth and piquancy that will awaken your senses. The combination of tender chicken, cooked slowly in a fragrant broth, pairs perfectly with the sweetness of ripe bananas, creating a harmonious balance in every bite. Perfect for cozy family dinners or a nourishing meal with friends, this soup is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire, bringing a taste of East African tradition to your table.
4
Servings
400
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil
4 tablespoons (None)
Chicken, cut into pieces
3 lbs (Cut into serving pieces)
Onion, chopped
1 (Chopped)
Garlic cloves, chopped
2 (Chopped)
Curry powder (masala meusi)
2 tablespoons (None)
Peri-peri spice
1 tablespoon (None)
Black pepper
2 teaspoons (None)
Chicken stock
8 cups (None)
Tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1 (Peeled and chopped)
Unsweetened grated coconut
1 cup (None)
Ripe bananas, sliced into chunks
2 (Sliced into chunky quarter pieces)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides, ensuring they develop a rich color.
2
Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Lower the heat to medium, then add the chopped onion and garlic to the oil left in the pot. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
3
Stir in the peri-peri, curry powder, and black pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and release their aroma.
4
Add the chopped tomatoes and the chicken stock to the pot, stirring well to combine. Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid.
5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.
6
After 30 minutes, add the grated coconut and banana chunks into the pot. Stir gently to combine and let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy the delightful flavors of East Africa!
Nutrition Information
19.5g
Fat
25g
Carbs
33g
Protein
1.75g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of the Aromatic East African Coconut Chicken Curry Soup?
The soup features a rich blend of East African spices, including peri-peri and curry powder, balanced by the creaminess of coconut and the subtle sweetness of ripe bananas.
How many calories are in one serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of chicken cut into pieces; using a mix of bone-in thighs and breasts provides the best flavor for the broth.
What is Masala Meusi and can I substitute it?
Masala Meusi is an East African curry powder. If unavailable, you can substitute it with a standard mild or medium curry powder.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 generous servings.
What is the role of bananas in this curry soup?
The ripe bananas are added in the final 10 minutes to provide a unique sweetness and texture that harmonizes with the spicy broth.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 33 grams of protein per serving, making it a very nourishing meal.
Can I use coconut milk instead of grated coconut?
While the recipe calls for 1 cup of unsweetened grated coconut for texture, you can substitute a portion of the stock with coconut milk for a creamier consistency.
Is this soup very spicy?
The soup has a piquant heat from the peri-peri and black pepper, but the coconut and banana help to mellow the spice level.
How long should I simmer the soup before adding the coconut?
The soup should simmer covered for 30 minutes to cook the chicken through before adding the coconut and bananas.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends using one tomato that has been peeled and chopped.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The main tags include soup, chicken, East African, coconut, curry, comfort food, and spicy.
Can I use vegetable oil or should I use something else?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil, which is ideal for browning the chicken at medium-high heat.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 25 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the total fat content in this dish?
The soup contains 19.5 grams of fat per serving.
When do I add the garlic and onions?
After browning the chicken and removing it from the pot, you sauté the chopped onion and garlic until soft and translucent.
How much chicken stock is required?
You will need 8 cups of chicken stock to create the base of the soup.
What does 'blooming the spices' mean in this context?
It refers to cooking the peri-peri, curry powder, and black pepper in oil for about 2 minutes to release their aromatic oils.
Is there any fiber in this soup?
Yes, there is approximately 1.75 grams of fiber per serving.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Yes, you can cut the chicken into pieces and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to brown it.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
You can add a little more chicken stock or water to reach your desired consistency.
Can I use frozen bananas?
It is better to use fresh, ripe bananas as frozen ones may become too mushy during the final simmering stage.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 chopped garlic cloves.
Is this soup suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, the description highlights it as perfect for cozy family dinners or nourishing meals with friends.
What is the preparation for the bananas?
The bananas should be sliced into chunky quarter pieces before being added to the pot.
Can I substitute the peri-peri spice?
If you cannot find peri-peri spice, a blend of chili flakes, paprika, and ginger can serve as a substitute.
How long do the bananas and coconut cook in the soup?
They should simmer gently in the soup for the final 10 minutes of cooking.
What is the first step in making this recipe?
The first step is heating vegetable oil in a large pot and browning the chicken pieces on all sides.
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
No, the recipe does not list any added sugar; the sweetness comes naturally from the ripe bananas.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
While the recipe calls for raw chicken to be browned for flavor, you could use pre-cooked chicken and skip the browning step, adding it directly to the simmer.