Include in Print View:

Kota Kapama (Chicken Braised With Cinnamon & Cloves)

Kota Kapama (Chicken Braised With Cinnamon & recipe image
Kota Kapama is a traditional South African delicacy that transforms humble chicken into a deeply flavorful meal. This dish features chicken pieces slowly braised in a savory sauce enriched with tomato paste, dry white wine, and a fragrant blend of cinnamon and cloves. The result is tender, fall-off-the-bone meat coated in a glossy, reddish-brown sauce that balances sweetness, acidity, and spice. It offers a comforting, hearty texture perfect for cold evenings or family gatherings.
Cooking Method: , ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 5
Calories: 242.4
Dietary: Gluten-free
Description
Kota Kapama is a traditional South African delicacy that transforms humble chicken into a deeply flavorful meal. This dish features chicken pieces slowly braised in a savory sauce enriched with tomato paste, dry white wine, and a fragrant blend of cinnamon and cloves. The result is tender, fall-off-the-bone meat coated in a glossy, reddish-brown sauce that balances sweetness, acidity, and spice. It offers a comforting, hearty texture perfect for cold evenings or family gatherings.
Ingredients
  • 2.5 pounds Frying or roasting chicken, cut into serving pieces
  • 1 Lemon (juice only)
  • 4 tablespoons Butter and oil, mixed
  • 1/2 cup Dry white wine (optional)
  • 1.5 pounds Peeled, chopped tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon Tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup Water
  • 1 Stick Cinnamon
  • 3 Whole Cloves
  • 1 pinch Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1 bunch Fresh parsley or watercress, for garnish
Directions
  1. 1
    Arrange the chicken pieces in a glass or earthenware bowl and rub all over with lemon juice. Allow to stand for 10-15 minutes.
  2. 2
    Heat the butter and oil mixture in a heavy braising pot over medium heat.
  3. 3
    Slip the chicken pieces into the hot fat and cook, turning with tongs to avoid pricking the flesh, until light chestnut in color on all sides.
  4. 4
    If using wine, heat it in a small pan, then pour over the chicken in the braising pot. Shake the pan gently to deglaze any browned bits from the bottom.
  5. 5
    Stir in the chopped tomatoes and the tomato paste mixed with water.
  6. 6
    Add the cinnamon stick and cloves among the chicken pieces.
  7. 7
    Cover the pot and simmer over the lowest possible heat for 1-1/2 hours, or until the chicken is very tender and the sauce has thickened.
  8. 8
    Alternatively, transfer the covered pot to a preheated oven at 325F (165C) and bake for 1-1/2 hours.
  9. 9
    Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
  10. 10
    Serve warm over cooked grain, pap, or mashed potatoes with green vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley or watercress.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 5

Amount Per Serving
Calories 242.4kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 15.4g24%
Saturated Fat 8.5g43%
Cholesterol 54.5mg19%
Sodium 240.3mg11%
Total Carbohydrate 15.8g6%
Dietary Fiber 7.8g32%
Sugars 2.7g
Protein 8.4g17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: kota kapama, chicken, braised, cinnamon, cloves, tomato paste, white wine, south african, comfort food, spiced chicken, slow cooked, main course, traditional, hearty, aromatic, family dinner, rice accompaniment, lemongrass, garlic, onion
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/kota-kapama-chicken-braised-with-cinnamon/