Entree: Timor-Leste – National Cuisine – Koto (Hearty Timorese stew of corn, pumpkin, beans, and chicken simmered with aromatics)

Serving Size: 6

Approximate Time

Prep 20 min

Cook 45 min

Total 1 hr 5 min

Ingredients

- 4 bone-in chicken thighs, approx. 1.5 lb (680 g) total
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped, approx. 8 oz (225 g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced, approx. 9 g
- 1 inch (2.5 cm) piece fresh ginger, minced, approx. 10 g
- 1–2 small red chilies, seeded and sliced (optional)
- 1 tsp (2 g) ground turmeric
- 1 tsp (2 g) ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) ground black pepper
- 4 cups (1.0 L) chicken stock or water
- 3 cups (450 g) peeled and cubed pumpkin or squash
- 2 cups (300 g) fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup (200 g) cooked mung beans or other soft beans
- 1 can (13.5 fl oz / 400 ml) coconut milk
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) fish sauce or soy sauce, to taste
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) lime juice
- 2 tbsp (8 g) chopped fresh cilantro or fresh chives
- Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs lightly with salt and brown on both sides, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, and sliced chilies and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in turmeric, ground coriander, and black pepper; cook 30 seconds to bloom the spices. Return chicken to the pot and pour in chicken stock.
4. Add cubed pumpkin and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 20–25 minutes until pumpkin is nearly tender and chicken is cooked through.
5. Add corn kernels and cooked beans, simmer 8–10 more minutes until corn is tender and flavors meld.
6. Stir in coconut milk, fish sauce or soy sauce, and lime juice; simmer 3–4 minutes more to heat through. Adjust salt and acidity to taste.
7. Remove chicken bones if desired, shred meat back into the stew, or serve thighs whole. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice or flatbread.