Four years ago, in July of 2011, my husband and I served in Kenya on a short term mission trip. We had no idea how the Lord would use two weeks in East Africa to change the trajectory of our lives. It was in Kenya, where the Lord first called my husband to ministry. It was in Kenya, where the Lord solidified our call to adoption. It was in Kenya, He started teaching us to prioritize our lives to honor Him. The Lord tied our hearts to this country.
Most recently, I have joined the American staff of African Christian Outreach. I leave September 28 to spend 2 weeks in Kenya working along side our Kenyan staff to vision forecast, plan and pray for the next steps the Lord wants us to take in East Africa and beyond. Kenya is most commonly known for child slavery, orphans, poverty and most recently- terrorism. But Kenya is also a beautiful country, rich in color, love, and flavor.
- 3 pounds chicken
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 hot chili pepper, minced (add an extra pepper for more heat)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh garlic
- 2 tablespoons ginger (I prefer fresh ginger)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1/2 cup cilantro
- In a blender or food processor, mix together onion, chilies, garlic and ginger. Mix/blend/process until all the lumps are gone and the sauce is smooth.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add processed sauce, cumin and curry powder to the warm olive oil stirring frequently to heat thoroughly and prevent burning.
- Mix in the tomato sauce and allow to simmer over low heat for an additional 5 minutes.
- Finally add in the raw chicken and coconut milk. Keep cooking temperature on low, stir well and cover.
- Cook until chicken is thoroughly done and tender anywhere from 30-60 minutes.
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons coconut milk for extra flavor
- Mix together rice, coconut milk, water and sea salt in a large pan.
- Cook rice mixture over medium heat until it is boiling, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat, cover and simmer until the rice is done, approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Before serving rice, add in the additional 2 tablespoons of coconut milk and fluff with a fork.
- Spoon the Coconut Rice onto a plate and top with a heaping spoonful of Kenyan Chicken Curry.
- Serve and eat while warm.
Growing up I spent a lot of time with my grandparents. They gardened and my grandmother refused to buy anything she could grow herself. When I think of my favorite childhood foods I remember my taste buds falling in love with fried okra, corn bread, turnip greens, squash and eggplant. These aren’t typical foods that kids love but I have fond memories of sitting at the kitchen table with my grandparents and them being so proud of me for trying their vegetables. I have always wanted to cook like my grandmother. I think she is a big reason I enjoy cooking for my family now.
What is always in your refrigerator at home?
My refrigerator always has eggs, bacon, vegetables and apples. I can pretty much mix together a fast meal with these ingredients. Fast dinner ideas are a staple for our busy family.
What is your most used cookbook?
My most used cookbook is the one my grandmother made for me. It is a purple 3 ring binder a spiral notebook and post it notes used as divider tabs. She added recipes for my most favorite foods and gave me space to add more o my favorite recipes. I cherish my cookbook.
What is your favorite kitchen gadget?
Ha! My favorite kitchen gadget is my coffee pot. There are seasons in life where my coffee pot has by far been used more than anything else: colicky babies, my husband in seminary, a toddler with sleep disorders. A coffee maker is an absolute necessity.
Do you have a favorite food indulgence?
I love having the opportunity to have a date night with my husband and visiting new restaurants. We do not do it often, but we both love visiting restaurants that are making a name for themselves locally by hiring top chefs and creating unique food and flavor combinations.
What is your go-to ingredient that you use time and time again?
Garlic. Fresh or ground garlic is used almost daily in my kitchen.
What is your favorite food meal to cook at home?
I love making large meals for my family. All of my kids are great chicken eaters so I enjoy finding new recipes for chicken, making green beans with bacon, creamed potatoes, and adding fresh fruits. This type of meal gets everyone in my family excited to eat since it consists of their favorites.
What is a cooking tip that you would like to share with beginning cooks?
If you can read you can cook. Do not be afraid to try spices and dishes. Find cookbooks and websites that offer meals you enjoy eating and begin there.
When you’re not cooking, what are your favorite pastimes?
I’m a mom to 4, a business owner and a missions advocate. My husband works full time and is also a bivocational church plant pastor. Our lives feel like a merry-go-round most of the time. So, I think taking time for myself is very important (although rare at times). My favorite hobby is running. It is therapy for me. It relieves stress, helps me feel better and encourages me to fuel my body better as well.
What else would you like us to know about you?
I am thankful for the opportunity to share some of my favorite recipes with you.
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