Photo: javahouseafrica.com/ug/
H
ave you ever been to Uganda? I hope you tried out Chicken Luwombo.
If not then this is your opportunity to join us on this foodie trip to
Uganda. It is a delicacy reserved for special moments, its careful prepa-
ration attests to the reason why it is set aside for these moments.
52 •
The Lion King
• July - September 2016
LIFESTYLE
| FOOD
CHICKEN LUWOMBO
BY AFOLAKE SOLOMON
To prepare this dish, I suggest you start
its preparation at least 3 to 4 hours
ahead of your mealtime. This will give
you ample time to prepare the dish
and sit back to relish every ounce
of the feast. So let us set the ball in
motion…
INGREDIENTS
•
1.5 kg of Chicken (preferably free
range)
•
1 Cup of unsalted peanuts
(grounded)
•
2 Large bulbs of Onions (chopped)
•
4 Large Tomatoes (chopped)
•
3 Garlic cloves
•
1 bunch of Coriander leaves (aka
Dhania)
•
1 Large sized Green bell pepper
(aka Hoho (chopped)
•
20mls of Vegetable Oil
•
Spices- Curry, thyme, Black pepper
(optional)
•
Salt to taste
•
Plantain leaves ( deveined and
heated to a flexible consistency)
HOW TO PREPARE
Set about preparing the filling for the
chicken by placing a deep frying pan
on the stove, pre-heat the vegetable
oil pour in the diced onions and fried
till it starts browning at the edges,
followed by your tomatoes, garlic,
ginger and spices and salt to taste.
Stir fry for about 5minutes, pour in your
grounded peanut paste and stir prop-
erly until it thickens to ensure it sticks
to the chicken. Toss in the coriander
leaves and steam for about 5-7mins
and set aside.
To start out Luwombo, ensure your
chicken is thoroughly thawed. Place it
on an open grill for about 20-25mins to
get the browning effect. Then placed
on a tray and stuff with the prepared
sauce as well as coat the exterior with
the sauce.
Place the stuffed chicken in the dev-
eined banana leaves and wrap tightly
(ensure there are no leakages).Set a
large pot on the stove and position
a wire rack (your microwave oven
grill is also idea) at the base. Pour
water into the pot (ensure the water
level is below the grill platform). Set
the wrapped chicken on the grill and
cover tightly to ensure the steaming is
thorough, for a minimum 1hr: 30mins.
Continually pour water into the pot to
ensure the food does not char.
Most Ugandans relish this dish with
Matoke- (Mashed steamed unripe
plantain), however, it can also be
enjoyed with Rice and as usual Palm
wine will complete the whole experi-
ence.
NUTRITIONAL FACTS
Serving Size: 100gms
% Daily
Value*
Calories
225
Total Fat
13.4g 20.6%
Cholesterol
76.3mg 25.4%
Sodium
244mg 10%
Total
Carbohydrates
6.5g
Dietary Fiber
0.81g
3.2%
Protein
19.4g
38.8%
Micro-nutrients
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Calcium
Iron
*Based on a 2000 Calorie diet
