Mucapata with zambezian chicken
Food of Mozambique
Today, I'm thrilled to share another culinary treasure from Mozambique, crafted by the amazing Chef Maria Luciano Xavier. She is a is a soulful chef whose cooking encapsulates the heart and heritage of Mozambique, especially with her beloved dish, Mucapata.
Mucapata is a beautiful blend of cooked beans and fragrant rice enriched with creamy, natural coconut milk—a classic from central Mozambique. The dish is often paired with chicken, marinated in garlic, coarse salt, lemon, bay leaves, cinnamon, and freshly squeezed coconut milk. While I observed her video, the love and care Maria put into her cooking were evident, making each step a delightful journey from raw ingredients to a soulful meal.
In her video, Chef Maria reminisced about coastal journeys to collect fresh coconuts, a vital ingredient in many Mozambican dishes. She explained how this labor-intensive process is more than just about cooking; it's a deeply rooted tradition that binds families and communities together. The natural coconut milk gives the Mucapata a luscious texture, and the marinade turns the chicken into a juicy, flavorful delight. The simple but vibrant salad of grated carrots, onions, chilies, and green beans perfectly complemented the rich flavors of the dish.
Trust me, watching Maria's video felt almost like being there in her kitchen, soaking up local traditions and savoring the atmosphere. Her Mucapata and zambezian chicken dish is not just about delicious food; it's about experiencing the warmth and culture of Mozambique with every bite.
Stay tuned as I continue this culinary journey, discovering more incredible dishes and stories from Mozambique!
Warmly, your Chef from MozambiqueExpert
Recipe : Mucapata with zambezian chicken
Ingredients for Mucapata:
- Cooked beans (peas can be a substitute).
- Rice (preferably aromatic rice).
- Natural coconut milk.
- Ingredients for the Zumbian Chicken:
- Chicken pieces.
- Garlic.
- Coarse salt.
- Lemon.
- Bay leaves.
- Cinnamon stick.
- Grated coconut.
Preparing the Mucapata:
- Pour the coconut milk into a pot.
- Add the cooked beans and rice.
- Cook until the rice is tender. Stir occasionally to ensure all ingredients are well soaked in the coconut milk.
- Preparing the Zumbian Chicken:
- Wash the chicken pieces and make cuts for the seasoning to penetrate well.
- Season with garlic, salt, lemon, and bay leaves. Add a piece of cinnamon stick.
- Squeeze the grated coconut without adding water to get its milk and add this to the chicken.
- Marinate the chicken in the coconut milk for a few minutes.
- Grill the chicken over medium heat.
- Preparing the Side Salad:
- Grate carrots and chop onion, pepper, and green beans.
- Lightly cook the vegetables to soften them.
- Season the salad with salt, lemon, and olive oil.
- Final Preparation:
- Grill the chicken until golden brown.
- Serve the chicken with a portion of Mucapata and the vegetable salad.
- And it's ready! Now you can enjoy a delicious and traditional Mozambican dish.