African-inspired Sticky Rice with Chicken and Vegetables

Ingredients

In this African adaptation of Lo mai fan, we incorporate traditional African spices and flavors to create a unique twist on the original Cantonese dish. The chicken is marinated in a blend of African spices, such as paprika, cumin, and coriander, to infuse it with rich and aromatic flavors. The vegetables used are also typical of African cuisine, including bell peppers, okra, and sweet potatoes. The sauce is inspired by African condiments, featuring ingredients like tamarind, ginger, and chili peppers. These adaptations give the dish a distinct African flair while still maintaining the essence of the original sticky rice dish. We alse have the original recipe for Lo mai fan, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) sticky rice 2 cups (400g) sticky rice
• 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon paprika 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 cup okra, sliced 1 cup okra, sliced
• 1 cup sweet potatoes, diced 1 cup sweet potatoes, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons tamarind paste 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 60g, 8g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the sticky rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 2 hours, then drain.
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with paprika, cumin, coriander, and salt. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same pan, add the diced onion and sliced bell peppers. Sauté until the vegetables are slightly softened.
5. 5.
   Add the sliced okra, diced sweet potatoes, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the pan. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. 6.
   Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the soaked sticky rice to the other side. Stir-fry the rice for a few minutes until it starts to become slightly translucent.
7. 7.
   In a small bowl, mix together tamarind paste, soy sauce, and honey. Pour the sauce over the rice and vegetables. Stir well to combine.
8. 8.
   Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix it with the rice and vegetables. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
9. 9.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sticky rice — Make sure to rinse the sticky rice thoroughly to remove excess starch before soaking. This will help achieve a fluffy and separate texture when cooked.
• Tamarind paste — If you can't find tamarind paste, you can substitute it with lime juice mixed with a little brown sugar for a tangy flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavors, you can add a pinch of African spice blend, such as berbere or ras el hanout, to the dish.
• For a spicier version, add chopped chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade or sauce.
• Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on what is available and preferred in African cuisine.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the African-inspired sticky rice with chicken and vegetables as a main course. It pairs well with a side of fresh salad or steamed greens. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro for added freshness.

Presentation advice

For an appealing presentation, mound the sticky rice in the center of the plate and arrange the chicken and vegetables around it. Drizzle some of the sauce over the rice and garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro.