Indulge in the rich flavors of French Guiana with our tantalizing Poulet Colombo. This traditional dish showcases the vibrant culinary heritage of the region, blending influences from Caribbean and Indian cuisines. Tender chicken pieces are marinated in a harmonious medley of spices, including turmeric, cumin, coriander, and cloves, infusing each bite with a burst of aromatic delight. Slow-cooked to perfection with onions, garlic, and peppers, our Poulet Colombo embodies the essence of comfort food with a tropical twist. Served alongside fragrant jasmine rice or crispy fried plantains, it's a culinary journey you won't soon forget. Immerse yourself in the exotic flavors of French Guiana with every savory spoonful of this beloved dish.

Below is a recipe for French Guiana Poulet Colombo:

Ingredients:

For the Colombo Spice Blend:

• 2 tablespoons ground turmeric
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon ground cloves
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground fenugreek
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 kg (about 3.3 lbs) chicken pieces, skin-on and bone-in
• 3 tablespoons Colombo spice blend
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish

For Serving:

• Cooked rice (jasmine rice or basmati rice)

Instructions:

1- Prepare the Colombo Spice Blend: In a small bowl, combine all the ground spices listed under "Colombo Spice Blend". Mix well to ensure even distribution. Set aside.

2- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl. Sprinkle the Colombo spice blend over the chicken pieces, ensuring they are evenly coated. Use your hands to rub the spices into the chicken pieces. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

3- Heat the Vegetable Oil: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

4- Sear the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces to the pot, skin side down. Sear the chicken pieces until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot. Remove the seared chicken pieces from the pot and set aside.

5- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and aromatic, about 5 minutes.

6- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes and any remaining Colombo spice blend. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to toast and the flavors to meld.

7- Return Chicken to the Pot: Place the seared chicken pieces back into the pot, nestling them into the vegetable mixture.

8- Add Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth over the chicken pieces until they are partially submerged. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

9- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chicken simmer gently for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

10- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, if needed.

11- Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the pot from the heat. Serve the Poulet Colombo hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve alongside cooked rice.

Enjoy your flavorful French Guiana Poulet Colombo!

Nutritional Values:

Below are approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the French Guiana Poulet Colombo recipe. Please note that these values are estimates and may vary based on factors such as cooking methods and specific brands used.

For the Colombo Spice Blend (per tablespoon):

• Calories: 20 kcal
• Total Fat: 1 g
• Sodium: 2 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Dietary Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g

benefits:

• Turmeric: Contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Cumin: Rich in iron and aids digestion.
• Coriander: High in antioxidants and may lower blood sugar levels.
• Cloves: Possess antimicrobial properties and aid in digestion.
• Black Pepper: Enhances nutrient absorption and has antioxidant properties.
• Mustard: Contains selenium and magnesium, beneficial for bone health.
• Fenugreek: May help control blood sugar levels and improve digestion.
• Ginger: Anti-inflammatory and aids in digestion.
• Cinnamon: Contains antioxidants and may help lower blood sugar levels.
• Allspice: Anti-inflammatory and may aid in digestion.

For the Chicken (per 100g, skin-on and bone-in):

• Calories: 219 kcal
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 77 mg
• Sodium: 74 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0 g
• Sugars: 0 g
• Protein: 20 g

benefits:

• Good source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Provides important nutrients like niacin, phosphorus, and vitamin B6.
• Contains selenium, which supports thyroid function and boosts immunity.

For Vegetable Oil (per tablespoon):

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Total Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0 g
• Sugars: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g

benefits:

• Source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
• Provides vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports skin health.
• Helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.

For Onion (per 100g):

• Calories: 40 kcal
• Total Fat: 0 g
• Sodium: 4 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Dietary Fiber: 1.7 g
• Sugars: 4.7 g
• Protein: 1.1 g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants, particularly quercetin, which may reduce inflammation.
• Contains prebiotic fibers that promote gut health.
• May help lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

For Garlic (per clove):

• Calories: 4 kcal
• Total Fat: 0 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0 g
• Sugars: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g

benefits:

• Has antimicrobial properties and may boost the immune system.
• Contains allicin, which may reduce the risk of heart disease.
• May help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.

For Bell Pepper (per 100g):

• Calories: 31 kcal
• Total Fat: 0.3 g
• Sodium: 3 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Dietary Fiber: 2.1 g
• Sugars: 4.2 g
• Protein: 1 g

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin C, which supports the immune system and skin health.
• Contains antioxidants like beta-carotene, which may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Provides fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes satiety.

For Tomatoes (per 100g):

• Calories: 18 kcal
• Total Fat: 0.2 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 3.9 g
• Dietary Fiber: 1.2 g
• Sugars: 2.6 g
• Protein: 0.9 g

benefits:

• Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of certain cancers.
• Contains vitamin C, which supports immune function and collagen production.
• Provides potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and heart health.

For Chicken Broth (per cup, homemade):

• Calories: 31 kcal
• Total Fat: 1.3 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.4 g
• Cholesterol: 7 mg
• Sodium: 724 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 2.4 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0 g
• Sugars: 1 g
• Protein: 2.6 g

benefits:

• Hydrating and may help with electrolyte balance.
• Contains gelatin, which supports joint health and digestion.
• Provides essential amino acids that support muscle repair and growth.

These values provide a general idea of the nutritional content of the ingredients used in the recipe. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and variations in ingredients.