“Step into the vibrant world of South African cuisine as we embark on a culinary adventure like no other! Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and discover the delicious secret hidden within humble chicken feet. Join us as we unlock the flavors, spices, and techniques of South African cooking, and learn how to transform these seemingly ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering dish that will leave you craving for more. Get your aprons on and let’s dive into the art of cooking chicken feet, the South African way!”
How to cook chicken feet South African style
Chicken feet, commonly known as "walkie-talkies" in South Africa, are a popular street food and snack in the country. South African-style chicken feet are typically seasoned and cooked to create a flavorful and tender dish. Here's a general overview of how chicken feet are prepared in South African cuisine:1. Cleaning: The chicken feet are thoroughly cleaned, removing any dirt, feathers, and outer skin. The nails are usually clipped off as well.2. Boiling: The chicken feet are then boiled in a pot of water for a period of time, usually around 30 minutes to an hour, until they become tender and the skin starts to peel off.3. Marinating: After boiling, the chicken feet are marinated in a mixture of spices and seasonings. The specific ingredients for the marinade may vary, but typical flavors include garlic, ginger, onion, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. The marinating process allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.4. Braising or frying: Once marinated, the chicken feet can be cooked using different methods. They are commonly braised in a flavorful sauce, such as a tomato-based sauce or a gravy made from the marinade. The feet are simmered in the sauce until they absorb the flavors and become tender. Alternatively, some people prefer to deep-fry the chicken feet until they are crispy and golden brown.5. Serving: South African-style chicken feet are often served as a snack or as part of a meal. They can be enjoyed hot or cold, depending on personal preference. Some people eat them on their own, while others pair them with other dishes like pap (a maize meal porridge) or bread.It's important to note that the specific recipe and flavors can vary across different regions and households in South Africa. This is just a general description of how chicken feet are commonly prepared in South African cuisine.
Ingredients
- 500g chicken feet
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust according to your spice preference)
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Clean the chicken feet: Begin by thoroughly cleaning the chicken feet. Trim the nails and remove any excess skin or dirt. Rinse them well under cold running water.
- Precook the chicken feet: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the chicken feet and let them simmer for about 5 minutes. This process will help remove any impurities and soften the skin. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute or until fragrant.
- Add the spices: Stir in the ground coriander, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook the spices with the onion mixture for about a minute to release their flavors.
- Cook the chicken feet: Add the precooked chicken feet to the pan and mix well with the spice mixture. Allow them to brown slightly for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer with tomatoes and broth: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook for a couple of minutes until they start to break down. Pour in the chicken broth, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pan. Let the chicken feet simmer for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, or until they become tender and the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally and add more broth if needed.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the sauce and add salt as per your preference. If desired, you can garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve the South African-style chicken feet hot with lemon wedges on the side. They can be enjoyed as a snack or as part of a larger meal.
Video
Notes
Remember, cooking times may vary depending on the size and freshness of the chicken feet, so it's important to check for tenderness before serving. Enjoy your South African-style chicken feet!
Nutrition
Serving: 100g
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Lillian
Lillian loves to try her hands on new recipes. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise: food is the way to everyone's heart.
