CHICKEN YASSA
Popular across West Africa, chicken yassa coaxes deep flavor from a handful of simple ingredients: smoky grilled chicken, sweet caramelized onions, tangy lime, bright ginger and spicy Scotch bonnet chile. This version comes from "The Fonio Cookbook" by chef Pierre Thiam (Lake Isle Press, 2019). Mr. Thiam, who was born and raised in Dakar, is the chef and owner of Teranga, a West African restaurant in Harlem. His recipe calls for bone-in chicken legs, but, in southern Senegal, where the dish originated, you might be served other chicken parts, fish yassa or even lamb yassa. The cooking method is flexible: The chicken develops the best smoky char when grilled, but will still be delicious seared in a grill pan or cast-iron skillet.
Provided by Alexa Weibel
Categories dinner, poultry, main course
Time 1h
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken legs with the scallions, thyme, vinegar, 1/4 cup lime juice and 1 tablespoon oil. Marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
- If using a grill or grill pan, heat it over high; if using a cast-iron skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high. (If cooking indoors, pat the chicken dry, discarding marinade, then brush the chicken lightly with oil.) Season the chicken all over with salt and pepper. Working in batches if necessary, grill or sear the chicken until browned on both sides, 6 or 7 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Meanwhile, in a large pot, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons oil over medium-high. When the oil is hot, add the onions in an even layer, season with salt and pepper, and let sear without stirring for 3 to 4 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, stir occasionally to prevent onions from burning at the bottom of the pot, and allow onions to cook until they start to caramelize and take on some color, 10 to 12 minutes.
- Add the bell pepper, chile, garlic, ginger, bay leaves and the mustard (if using), and continue stirring, adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of water as needed to avoid scorching at the bottom of the pot, another 5 minutes. Stir in another 1/4 cup lime juice, and season with 1 tablespoon salt and 2 teaspoons pepper.
- Add the grilled chicken into the pot, tucking it under the onions, then top with 1 cup water. Stir well, smooth mixture gently into an even layer, cover and simmer over medium until chicken is cooked through and tender, about 30 minutes.
- Season to taste and add more lime juice to taste, if desired. Serve chicken over rice, with onion mixture and sauce drizzled generously on top.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
#course #main-ingredient #cuisine #preparation #main-dish #poultry #african #easy #chicken #dietary #meat
You'll also love
daniel gmeinder
[email protected]This recipe was a bit too bitter for my taste, but I still enjoyed it. The chicken was cooked perfectly, and the sauce was very flavorful. I would definitely make it again, but I would use less olives next time.
David Kingston
[email protected]This recipe was a bit too sour for my taste, but I still enjoyed it. The chicken was cooked perfectly, and the sauce was very flavorful. I would definitely make it again, but I would use less lemon juice next time.
Sheldon Boshoff
[email protected]This recipe was a bit too sweet for my taste, but I still enjoyed it. The chicken was cooked perfectly, and the sauce was very flavorful. I would definitely make it again, but I would use less sugar next time.
momi momi
[email protected]This recipe was a bit too salty for my taste, but I still enjoyed it. The chicken was cooked perfectly, and the sauce was very flavorful. I would definitely make it again, but I would use less salt next time.
Faheem Abbas
[email protected]I love how this recipe uses simple ingredients to create such a flavorful dish. The chicken was cooked perfectly, and the sauce was delicious. I will definitely be making this again.
Antonio Monroy
[email protected]This recipe was a bit too time-consuming for me, but it was worth it in the end. The chicken was fall-off-the-bone tender, and the sauce was rich and flavorful. I would definitely make it again, but I would plan ahead so that I have enough time to le
Sajan FF
[email protected]I was disappointed with this recipe. The chicken was dry and overcooked, and the sauce was bland. I don't think I'll be making this again.
Sakia David
[email protected]This recipe was a bit too spicy for my taste, but I still enjoyed it. The chicken was cooked perfectly, and the sauce was very flavorful. I would definitely make it again, but I would use less pepper next time.
SJ SAMIYA
[email protected]I'm always looking for new and exciting recipes to try, and this one definitely fit the bill. The flavors were unique and delicious, and the chicken was cooked perfectly. I will definitely be making this again.
Erick Kats
[email protected]This is one of my favorite recipes. It's so versatile, and I can always find a way to change it up to keep it interesting. I've tried it with different types of chicken, vegetables, and even different spices. It always turns out great!
Piash Khan
[email protected]I made this dish for a party last weekend, and it was a huge success! Everyone loved it, and I received several requests for the recipe. It's definitely a keeper!
Shofiq khan Shofiq khan
[email protected]I'm not a big fan of spicy food, so I was hesitant to try this recipe. But I'm so glad I did! The spice level was perfect, and the flavors were amazing. I'll definitely be making this again.
Zohaib Ahmed
[email protected]I love how easy this recipe is to make. I can have it on the table in under an hour, which is perfect for busy weeknights. And the leftovers are just as good the next day!
Eniola Bukola
[email protected]This was my first time making chicken yassa, and it was a huge hit! The flavors were incredible, and the chicken was cooked to perfection. I will definitely be making this again.
Paballo Taole
[email protected]I've made this recipe several times now, and it always turns out perfectly. The chicken is always moist and juicy, and the sauce is so flavorful. My family loves it!
Akaki Gaprindashvili
[email protected]This dish was an absolute delight! The chicken was tender and flavorful, and the sauce was rich and creamy. I especially loved the addition of the vegetables, which added a nice crunch and freshness to the dish. I will definitely be making this again