Akoho sy Voanio (Malagasy Chicken in Coconut Milk)
Local name: Akoho sy voanio
In short: Chicken browned with onion, garlic, ginger and tomato, then simmered in coconut milk until the sauce turns thick and glossy. A coastal Malagasy dish for rice. It takes about 1 h 15 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 1 h
- Total
- 1 h 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 550 kcal
Akoho sy voanio means chicken and coconut, and it is cooked mostly along the coasts, where coconut palms grow. The chicken is browned with onion, garlic, ginger and tomato, then simmered in coconut milk until the sauce thickens and turns pale gold. A little turmeric deepens the color, and some kitchens add cloves or a splash of vanilla. Spoon it over rice and pass the sakay.
Instructions
- Season the chicken with the salt. Heat the oil in a wide pot and brown the pieces for 5 minutes per side, then set them aside.
- Cook the onion in the same pot for 6 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and ginger for 1 minute, then the tomatoes, turmeric and pepper, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the pot. Pour in the coconut milk and water and bring just to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 30 minutes, turning the pieces once, until the chicken reaches 74°C (165°F).
- Uncover and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens to coat a spoon.
- Scatter with herbs and serve over rice, with sakay on the side.
Tips
- Use full-fat coconut milk and keep the heat gentle. A hard boil can make the sauce split. Shake the can well before opening.
- Large shrimp or firm white fish can be cooked the same way. Add them to the simmering sauce for 6 to 8 minutes.
Questions and answers
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes. Boneless thighs need only 20 to 25 minutes in the sauce. Breasts cook faster still and dry out easily, so add them for the last 15 minutes.
Can I freeze chicken in coconut milk?
Yes, for up to 2 months. The sauce may look slightly separated after thawing, but stirring it over low heat brings it back together.
How spicy is akoho sy voanio?
It is mild and aromatic, with ginger and garlic rather than chili. Malagasy cooks serve sakay on the side so each person adds their own heat.
How long does it take to make Akoho sy Voanio (Malagasy Chicken in Coconut Milk)?
About 1 h 15 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 1 h of cooking.
How many calories are in Akoho sy Voanio (Malagasy Chicken in Coconut Milk)?
About 550 kcal per serving, with 31 g of protein, 9 g of carbohydrates and 43 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 550 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 31 g |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Fat | 43 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
