Wholesome and Delicious Chicken Kale Moa Recipe
Are you tired of the same old chicken recipes? Looking for something different, flavorful and exotic? Look no further than my Samoan Chicken Kale Moa recipe!
This traditional Samoan dish features tender chicken pieces smothered in a rich curry sauce and paired with nutritious kale moa leaves. The combination of coconut milk, ginger, onion, and garlic cloves gives this dish an aroma that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
As a home chef who loves throwing parties, I know how important it is to impress your guests with new and exciting dishes. This recipe is not only delicious but also unique and easy to prepare.
Whether you’re a fan of international cuisine or simply looking for new recipe ideas, this Samoan Chicken Kale Moa recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So let’s get cooking and travel to Samoa without leaving your home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons why you’ll love the delicious Samoan Chicken Kale Moa recipe. First of all, this dish combines exotic flavors with healthy ingredients, all while remaining budget-friendly.
Samoan cuisine is known for its unique combination of spices and flavors. The chicken curry in this recipe is made with a blend of curry powder, ginger, and garlic, creating a bold and complex taste that will transport you straight to the beautiful country of Samoa.
Furthermore, the inclusion of kale moa, a green leafy vegetable native to Samoa, adds both nutrition and flavor to the dish. Kale is high in vitamins A, C, K and fiber, making this recipe not only tasty but also healthy.
Another great feature of this recipe is its versatility. It can be served as a stew or even as a soup accompanied by rice. It can easily be adjusted to suit your personal preferences by adding additional vegetables like celery or carrots, or substituting chicken with tofu for a vegan version.
This dish also has a cultural significance beyond just being tasty. Samoans have passed down traditional recipes like kale moa and chicken moa for generations. By cooking this dish, you will get a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Samoa and perhaps discover new cuisines to try out.
Finally, the recipe is easy to prepare and can be made in large batches for entertaining guests at a party or just for meal prepping for healthier lunches throughout the week. The affordable ingredients yield enough food for leftovers that could last for days.
In conclusion, whether you love spicy flavors, are health-conscious, or eager to explore different cultures through food, the Samoan Chicken Kale Moa recipe is definitely worth trying!
Ingredient List
Before we start cooking this delicious and flavorful Samoan Chicken Kale Moa recipe, we need to collect all the necessary ingredients that will make the dish irresistible. Don’t worry; you can easily find these ingredients at your local grocery store or international market.
Here is a list of what you’ll need:
- [ ] 500g skinless chicken pieces (light meat preferred)
- [ ] 2 large kale leaves, stalks removed and leaves finely chopped
- [ ] 4 garlic cloves, minced and pounded
- [ ] 1-inch piece ginger, peeled and chopped
- [ ] 1 large onion chopped
- [ ] 2 Japanese potatoes, peeled and cubed (optional)
- [ ] 1 carrot, sliced thinly (optional)
- [ ] 2 celery stalks, sliced thinly (optional)
- [ ] 4 cups water
- [ ] 2 cups coconut milk
- [ ] 2 tablespoons curry powder
- [ ] Salt to taste
Make sure to check your pantry for any missing ingredients before heading out to the grocery store. Once you have everything ready, it’s time to put on your apron and get cooking!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s begin with the recipe how-to on making this delicious Samoan Chicken Kale Moa Recipe. Follow these steps and you will have a mouth-watering dish in no time!
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
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First, in a large pot, heat up 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 large chopped onion, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and fragrant.
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Then, add the 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 inch piece of ginger which have both been pounded together. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
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After that, add 2 lbs of chicken pieces to the pot and stir well. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides.
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Finally, add 2 tablespoons of curry powder to the pot and stir well making sure every part of the chicken is coated with the curry powder.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
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Once the chicken is browned add 2 cups of water to the pot and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cover with a lid, cooking for 15 minutes.
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After that, add in your vegetables including 3 stalks of celery, 3 diced carrots, 3 peeled diced potatoes, and 2 cups of kale moa or any green leafy kale. Stir it well enough so that every part is well combined.
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Finally, add in a can of coconut milk to give it that creamy taste. Let everything simmer together for another 10 minutes until all veggies are cooked through.
That’s it! Your Samoan Chicken Kale Moa Recipe is now ready! Serve it hot with rice or bread on the side for an unbeatable dinner or lunch meal.
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this Samoan Chicken Kale Moa recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
– Vegetarian version: If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken pieces with firm tofu or paneer. Instead of using chicken broth, use vegetable broth or water. You can also add some veggies such as bell peppers or zucchini to make it more substantial.
– Gluten-free version: To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour such as rice flour, almond flour, or cornstarch.
– Spicier version: If you like your food spicy, you can add more curry powder or some red pepper flakes to the recipe. You can also add some chopped chili peppers or jalapeños for an extra kick.
– Creamier version: For a creamier texture, use full-fat coconut milk instead of water. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream to the curry just before serving.
– Protein alternatives: Aside from chicken pieces, you can use other types of meat such as beef, lamb, or pork. Seafood options such as shrimp or fish would also work well with the kale moa recipe.
– Vegetable additions: You can easily up the nutritional value of this dish by adding more veggies to the mix. Some great options include diced carrots, celery, Japanese potatoes, and even green leafy vegetables like spinach or bok choy.
The possibilities for substitutions and variations are endless with this Samoan Chicken Kale Moa recipe. Get creative with your ingredients and enjoy experimenting until you find the perfect combination that suits your taste buds!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your delicious Samoan Chicken Kale Moa Recipe is ready, it’s time to serve it up and enjoy! This flavorful and hearty dish is perfect for a cozy night at home or a gathering with friends and family.
For serving, I recommend pairing this dish with some steamed rice or softened Japanese potatoes to balance out the richness of the curry. The creamy and thick coconut milk in the dish pairs well with plain steamed rice, allowing the flavors to truly shine through. Japanese potatoes also work well as they have a sweet flavor that compliments the spices in the curry stew.
Additionally, I suggest incorporating some green leafy vegetables such as spinach or bok choy to add some color and extra nutrients to your meal. These veggies also help bring freshness to counterbalance the indulgence of the chicken curry.
As for pairing, you can serve this dish with a light chicken soup or a fresh salad made with celery and carrots for a complete meal. You can also pair it with refreshing beverages such as coconut water, iced tea or even beer!
No matter how you choose to serve and pair this Samoan Chicken Kale Moa Recipe, your taste buds will thank you. It’s an excellent representation of traditional Samoan cuisine while showcasing international cuisine at its best. So go ahead, dive in and enjoy this delicious dish!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once the Samoa Chicken Kale Moa dish has been prepared, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. This dish also freezes well, so it is perfect for meal prepping or when you want to have leftovers for another day.
When reheating the dish, adding a little bit of water or chicken broth before heating it up will help bring back its moisture and flavor. I recommend using a microwave or stovetop to reheat the dish.
If you are planning ahead for a party and want to make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare all the ingredients except the kale moa and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready, just heat up the ingredients and add in the kale moa right before serving. This will ensure that the kale retains its crunchiness and vibrant green color.
Whether you’re making this dish for a simple dinner or a big gathering, this Samoa Chicken Kale Moa recipe is perfect for making ahead and reheating. It will save you time and still deliver the rich flavors of traditional Samoa cuisine.
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking can be both an art and a science. Even the most precise recipe can fail if the technique is off. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some tips to ensure amazing results every time you make my Samoan Chicken Kale Moa Recipe.
Firstly, make sure to sear the chicken before adding any liquid. This will lock in the juice and result in a tender chicken that falls right off the bone. It is a crucial step to take note of when it comes to making this recipe.
Secondly, use fresh spices whenever possible. Curry powder, ginger, and garlic are the key players in developing flavor in this dish. Using fresh ingredients will make a huge difference in how your Samoan Chicken Kale Moa turns out. If you can’t get fresh ginger, skip it instead of using powdered ginger as a substitute. Trust me; there’s no comparison between the two.
Thirdly, be patient with the curry. As tempting as it may be, avoid stirring it too frequently. Stirring too often prevents the development of deep flavor and color. Instead, let each addition of liquid simmer for a little while before giving it a gentle stir.
Additionally, don’t skimp on the kale moa. This green leafy vegetable is what makes this recipe unique! Kale moa is packed with antioxidants and nutrients that will give this dish a unique twist.
Finally, if you want to take things up another level, serve your Samoan Chicken Kale Moa Recipe with rice or potatoes that complement the flavors well or create an array of toppings like celery or carrot slices that add brightness and contrasting textures.
Now that you know my insider tips, I hope you’ll achieve fantastic results every time you cook my Samoan Chicken Kale Moa Recipe!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Samoan Chicken Kale Moa Recipe is a must-try dish for anyone looking to add some global flavor to their table. With its delicious blend of ingredients, this dish embodies the rich and vibrant culture of Samoa, delivering an explosion of flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more.
More than just a recipe, the Samoan Chicken Kale Moa recipe is a celebration of tradition, history, and community. This ancient yet modern recipe has been honed over generations and continues to be enjoyed by people around the world. Whether you’re new to international cuisine or a seasoned world traveler, the Samoan Chicken Kale Moa recipe is sure to impress.
So why not take a trip to Samoa from the comfort of your own kitchen? This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion – from casual weeknight dinners to extravagant parties. So don’t hesitate – grab your apron and get cooking! With this recipe in your arsenal, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a master of samoan cuisine.
Samoan Chicken Kale Moa Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 inch piece ginger, minced and pounded
- 1/4 cup oil
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken pieces
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 4 medium potatoes, chopped into large pieces
- 1 large carrot, chopped into large pieces
- 1 stick celery, chopped into large pieces
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 6 tablespoons water
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Heat your oil in a large pot, then fry the onion until partly translucent.
- Add the garlic, ginger and curry powder and fry for about a minute for the spices and aromatics to release their flavor.
- Add chicken, 2 cups of water and 2 cups of coconut milk. Bring to a boil then lower to a simmer and cover. Simmer for 20 minutes or until very soft.
- Add vegetables and bring to a boil again. Turn down heat and cover again. Simmer for 20 minutes or until soft.
- Mix the 6 Tb flour with the 6 Tb water until it's smooth (and an extra tablespoon or so of curry if you like). Then add this slurry straight into the pot. Turn the heat up to medium and stir until thickened.
- Season well with salt and pepper to taste.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!