Yogurt Coconut Chicken (Somali Digaag Qumbe)
Warming cumin, cardamom, turmeric, and ginger make this Somali chicken stew recipe from Hawa Hassan, founder of hot sauce and chutney company Basbaas, a rich aromatic experience. It's traditional to serve stews like diaag qumbe with a whole banana (get ready for a delicious study in hot-cold, savoury-sweet contrasts) and white rice.
3 medium tomatoes, coarsely chopped (~ 6 cups)
1 red bell pepper, seeds and membranes removed, coarsely chopped
2 jalapeños, seeds removed if you want less heat, coarsely chopped
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 onions, chopped
2 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 (1") piece fresh ginger, peeled, finely chopped (~ 1 Tbsp.)
1 Tbsp. curry powder
1 Tbsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. ground turmeric
¼ tsp. ground cardamom
sea salt
1 cup plain yogurt
1 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 Yukon Gold potato, peeled, cut into ¾" cubes
1 carrot, peeled, cut into ¼" thick coins
2 lb chicken thighs, skinless, boneless, cut into 1" pieces
1 (14 oz) can coconut milk
3 Tbsp. ghee (optional)
1 cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped
Garnish:
fresh cilantro leaves
To Serve:
steamed rice
banana
Blend tomatoes, bell pepper, and jalapeños in a blender or food processor until almost smooth; set aside.
Heat oil in a large pot over medium. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring often, until beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. Add ginger, cumin, curry powder, turmeric, and cardamom; season generously with salt. Cook, stirring, until very fragrant, about 1 minute. Add reserved tomato mixture to pot and stir well to combine. Stir in yogurt and tomato paste, cover pot, and simmer 10 minutes. Add potato and carrot and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are nearly tender, 15-18 minutes.
Add chicken, coconut milk, ghee (if using) and 1 cup cilantro. Stir to combine, then simmer until chicken is tender and sauce thickens, about 20 minutes. Season with salt.
Divide rice among bowls. Spoon chicken, vegetables, and sauce over. Top with cilantro leaves.
Makes 8 servings.