Motoho & Chakalaka Highland Skillet with Basotho Braised Chicken – Authentic Lesotho Recipe
Maseru mountain feast pairing savory braised chicken with fiery, sweet-and-tangy vegetable chakalaka.
- Country of Origin
- 🇱🇸 Lesotho (Southern Africa, Africa)
- Dietary Profile
- omnivore
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Golden braised chicken thighs in tomato-herb gravy, Spicy carrot, Bell pepper, Curry powder, Garlic
Ingredients for Motoho & Chakalaka Highland Skillet with Basotho Braised Chicken (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) golden braised chicken thighs in tomato-herb gravy, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups spicy carrot, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup bell pepper
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with curry powder
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Lesotho seasoning (garlic, ginger, thyme, fresh cilantro)
- 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat; brown golden braised chicken thighs in tomato-herb gravy for 5 minutes.
- Add minced onion, garlic, curry powder, and garlic, ginger, thyme, fresh cilantro, stirring for 2 minutes until deeply aromatic.
- Add spicy carrot and pour in the braising liquid; bring to a lively simmer.
- Cover and braise over medium-low heat for 20–22 minutes until meltingly tender and the sauce is rich and glossy.
- Stir in bell pepper right before serving warm.