Editorial sample recipeSamoanbeginnerHalalGluten-FreeDairy-Free

Samoan Coconut Turmeric Chicken Thighs With Sweet Yam

Name: Samoan Coconut Turmeric Chicken Thighs With Sweet Yam
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Samoan
Ingredients: 1.5 lb boneless skinless halal chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced; 1 tbsp yellow curry powder; 0.5 tsp ground turmeric; 1 medium sweet yam, peeled and cut into half-inch cubes; 14 oz full-fat coconut milk, one standard can; 0.5 cup scallions, chopped

Tender halal chicken thighs simmered in a golden turmeric garlic coconut broth alongside velvety sweet yams for a comforting island dish.

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 25 min
Total: 40 min

Technique to learn

Golden Curry Simmering

Browning aromatic ginger, garlic, and curry spices directly in warm oil before adding liquids builds deep foundation flavors for coconut-based braises.

Instructions

Step 1: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Add diced yellow onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the skillet, stir-frying for 3 minutes until softened and aromatic.

Step 3: Add the halal chicken pieces and sear for 4 minutes until golden on all sides.

Step 4: Stir in the yellow curry powder, ground turmeric, and cubed sweet yam, tossing to coat evenly with the spices.

Step 5: Pour in the canned coconut milk and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Step 6: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the sweet yams are fork-tender and chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 7: Uncover, stir in the fresh scallions, and simmer for another 2 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly before serving.

Cooking tips

Cut sweet yams into small half-inch uniform cubes so they cook through in the same timeframe as the chicken.
Use full-fat coconut milk rather than light coconut milk to achieve a lush sauce consistency typical of Pacific island home cooking.
Original home-cooking adaptation inspired by Samoan; regional versions vary.
Use halal-certified meat, poultry, stock, sauces, cheese and other processed ingredients. Check labels and avoid cross-contamination. Recipe screening is not halal certification.

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