Mabawa ya Kuku

Name: Mabawa ya Kuku
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Comorian
Ingredients: 1kg chicken wings, tips removed; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; Juice of 2 limes; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; Vegetable oil for deep frying

Mabawa ya Kuku (mah-BAH-wah yah KOO-koo)

Comorian Spiced Chicken Wings

⏱ Prep Time 20 min

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 361 kcal

Chicken wings marinated in a bold blend of garlic, ginger, turmeric, and lime, then deep-fried until the skin shatters and the meat stays succulent. A beloved Comorian party snack.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 28.0g

Carbs 6.0g

Fat 25.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

dairy-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

deep fryer or heavy pot mixing bowl

Presentation Guide

Vessel: paper-lined basket

Garnishes: lime wedges

Accompaniments: chili sauce

Ingredients

1kg chicken wings, tips removed
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
Juice of 2 limes
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Vegetable oil for deep frying

Instructions

1
Combine garlic, ginger, turmeric, lime juice, salt, and cayenne in a bowl.
2
Add chicken wings and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 1 hour.
3
Heat oil to 175C (350F) in a deep pot or fryer.
4
Fry wings in batches for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
5
Drain on paper towels.
6
Serve hot with lime wedges and chili dipping sauce.

💡

Did You Know?

Comorian fried chicken wings are always eaten with the hands, and licking your fingers afterward is not just acceptable but expected, a sign that the cook did a good job.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

deep fryer or heavy pot
mixing bowl

Garnishing

lime wedges

Accompaniments

chili sauce

The Story Behind Mabawa ya Kuku

Fried chicken wings became popular in the Comoros as cooking oil became more widely available in the mid-twentieth century. Comorian cooks applied their traditional spice marinades to the deep-frying technique, creating a distinctly local version.

The wings are a staple at social gatherings, from informal evening meet-ups to elaborate celebrations. Street vendors also sell them wrapped in paper from small stands.

Mabawa ya kuku represents the newer, more cosmopolitan layer of Comorian food culture that coexists with ancient traditional dishes.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed parties and evening snacks 📜 Origins: Modern Comorian era

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!