Craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that transports you to the sun-drenched shores of Mozambique? Then look no further! This Chicken Mozambique recipe is a delicious and surprisingly easy way to bring the tastes of Portuguese Africa into your kitchen. It's a perfect example of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this authentic and satisfying dish!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or crusty bread, for serving
Instructions:
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and bell peppers and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
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Bloom the Spices: Add the smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, and cloves to the pot. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This step releases the full flavor of the spices, making your dish even more delicious.
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Add the Chicken and Tomatoes: Add the chicken thighs to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. This will help to develop a rich flavor in the chicken. Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato paste, and chicken broth.
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Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in the chickpeas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
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Season and Serve: Season the Chicken Mozambique with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over rice or with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips for the Best Chicken Mozambique:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When browning the chicken, work in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and prevent steaming.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. For extra heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Use bone-in chicken: For a richer, more flavorful dish, you can use bone-in chicken thighs. Just increase the cooking time accordingly.
- Make it ahead: This Chicken Mozambique tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and reheat it before serving.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, or zucchini.
- Use different beans: Black beans or kidney beans can be substituted for chickpeas.
- Add some coconut milk: For a creamier sauce, stir in 1/2 cup of coconut milk during the last few minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This easy recipe provides a healthy and delicious meal, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy the authentic taste of Mozambique in the comfort of your own home! Homemade cooking doesn't get much better than this delicious dish! This is one of the best recipes you’ll find for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Enjoy!