I know cooking can seem tough, especially if you’re just starting out.
But trust me, it’s easier than it looks, especially with the right recipe.
That’s where the Lazy Makoti Chicken Stew comes in.
It’s a foolproof dish that’s perfect for beginners.
Think of it as your go-to guide for making a hearty, tasty stew that’ll impress anyone, without needing fancy skills or ingredients.
I’m going to walk you through each step, from picking your chicken to getting those flavors just right.
So, let’s grab our aprons and get started.
Ingredients:
To serve 4-6 people, you’ll need:
Chicken: 1 kg of chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work best for flavor)
Vegetables:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
Flavour Enhancers:
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced, or 1 can of chopped tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
Herbs and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of mixed dried herbs (thyme, oregano, rosemary)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquids:
- 2 tablespoons of cooking oil (sunflower or canola)
- 1 cup of chicken broth or water
For Thickening:
- 1-2 tablespoons of flour (optional, for thickening the stew)
Instructions:
Preparing the Ingredients:
- Clean the Chicken: Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Chop the Vegetables: Ensure all your veggies are chopped and ready. This includes your onions, carrots, bell peppers, and garlic.
- Measure Your Spices: Have your spices, salt, and pepper measured and set aside.
Cooking Process:
Browning the Chicken:
- Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat the cooking oil over medium heat.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot, seasoning them with a little salt and pepper. Cook until they’re golden brown on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Then, remove the chicken and set it aside.
Sauteing the Vegetables:
- Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, add the onions and garlic. Cook until they’re soft and translucent.
- Adding Carrots and Bell Peppers: Stir in the carrots and bell pepper, cooking for another 5 minutes until they start to soften.
Creating the Stew Base:
- Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot, stirring well to combine.
- Herbs and Spices: Sprinkle in the paprika and mixed herbs, mixing thoroughly to distribute the flavors.
Combining and Simmering:
- Return the Chicken: Add the browned chicken pieces back into the pot.
- Add Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth or water, ensuring the chicken is mostly covered.
- Simmer: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked.
Thickening the Stew (Optional):
- Flour Mixture: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1-2 tablespoons of flour with a little water to make a smooth paste.
- Combine: Stir this paste into the stew, cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the stew reaches your desired consistency.
Serving:
Serve your delicious chicken stew hot, ideally with a side of fluffy rice, pap (a traditional South African maize porridge), or fresh bread to soak up the lovely sauce.
Tips for Success:
- Chicken: Using bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces adds more flavor to the stew.
- Simmering: Keep the heat low during the simmering process to ensure the chicken cooks through without burning the sauce.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like potatoes or peas for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs can be used in place of dried ones for a more vibrant taste.
This chicken stew recipe is not only simple and straightforward but also incredibly adaptable.
Experiment with different vegetables, herbs, and spices to make it your own.
The key is to enjoy the cooking process and the delicious meal you’ll create.
Happy cooking!