Supu Ya Kuku Chicken Soup of Zanzibar

Transport your taste buds to the vibrant spice markets of Zanzibar with Supu Ya Kuku, a fragrant and comforting chicken soup that’s rich in flavor and tradition. This authentic Swahili recipe combines bone-in chicken with a medley of warming spices like cumin, turmeric, and cardamom, creating a broth that's both aromatic and deeply satisfying. Loaded with hearty vegetables like carrots and potatoes, and brightened with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of zesty lemon, this one-pot wonder is perfect as a nourishing meal on its own or paired with crusty bread. Ready in just an hour, this soulful chicken soup is a delightful introduction to East African cuisine and a must-try for fans of bold, spice-forward dishes.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces (bone-in preferred)
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
• 1 piece green chili, finely chopped
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 0.5 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 4 pieces cloves
• 3 pieces cardamom pods
• 1 inch cinnamon stick
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1.5 liters water or chicken stock
• 1 piece lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the garlic, ginger, and green chili, cooking until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 4

Add the cumin, coriander, turmeric, cloves, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick. Stir for 1 minute to toast the spices.

Step 5

Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly browned.

Step 6

Mix in the diced carrots, potatoes, and chopped tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

Pour in the water or chicken stock and add the salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Step 8

Remove the cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods before serving.

Step 9

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for added flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2807.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2219.0

Total Fat 150.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 42.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 800mg	0%
Sodium 747.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 15.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.5g	0%
Total Sugars 9.3g
Protein 182.9g	0%

Vitamin D 50IU	0%
Calcium 153.4mg	0%
Iron 10.0mg	0%
Potassium 2679.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 63.1%

Protein: 34.1%

Carbs: 2.8%