🍲 **Swelling Styled HCK (Hausa Chicken Kebab)**

This vibrant and flavorful dish is a beloved street food in West Africa, perfect for gatherings or a cozy meal at home. Learn how to prepare this delicious meal that combines the rich taste of chicken with the unique texture of gary (cassava flour).

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🌍 **What Is Swelling Styled HCK?**

Swelling Styled HCK, or Hausa Chicken Kebab, is a popular dish in West Africa, often enjoyed as a street food delicacy. It features marinated chicken, fried plantains, and a flavorful gary base, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

🧾 **Ingredients**

**Base:**

- 2 cups gary (cassava flour)

- 1 lb chicken (or fish)

- 3 eggs

- 2 ripe plantains

- 1 onion

- 2-3 seasoning cubes

- 2 tbsp tomato paste

- 1 tsp garlic powder

- 1 tsp thyme

- 1 lime (for washing and seasoning chicken)

- Sunflower oil (for frying)

**Optional:**

- Luncheon meat

- Lettuce (for garnish)

- Cucumbers (for garnish)

- Tomatoes (for garnish)

- Additional spices (to taste)

👩‍🍳 **Step-by-Step Instructions**

1. **Prepare the Chicken:**

- Wash the chicken thoroughly and season with garlic powder, thyme, and lime juice.

- Let it marinate for 30 minutes.

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2. **Fry the Chicken:**

- Heat sunflower oil in a deep pan.

- Fry the marinated chicken until golden brown.

- Drain excess oil after frying.

3. **Fry the Plantains:**

- Peel and slice the plantains.

- Sprinkle with salt and fry until golden and crispy.

4. **Make the Stew:**

- In a separate pot, sauté chopped onions until translucent.

- Add tomato paste, seasoning cubes, and any additional spices.

- Cook until the mixture thickens.

5. **Prepare the Gari:**

- In a bowl, mix gary with a pinch of salt and a little water until slightly moist but not soggy.

- Steam the gary using a sieve over boiling water for about 10-15 minutes, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.

6. **Boil the Eggs:**

- In the same pot used for steaming the gary, boil the eggs until hard-boiled.

7. **Plate the Dish:**

- On a serving plate, layer the gary, top with the fried chicken, and add the fried plantains.

- Garnish with boiled eggs, lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes.

🍽️ **How to Serve**

Serve the Swelling Styled HCK warm, allowing guests to mix the components on their plates. Pair with a refreshing drink for a complete meal.

💡 **Pro Tips**

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste; feel free to add more spices if you like it spicy!

- Ensure the gary is not too wet; it should have a fluffy texture.

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- Use a sieve for steaming gary for an easy and effective method.

🔥 **Why You’ll Love This**

This dish is not only delicious but also a fun and interactive meal that brings the flavors of West Africa to your kitchen. The combination of crispy chicken, sweet plantains, and the unique texture of gary creates a satisfying and memorable dining experience. Enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors that will transport you straight to the streets of West Africa!