Traditional Luwombo Chicken
Royal Buganda delicacy created in 1887 - tender chicken steamed in banana leaves with rich groundnut sauce
⏱️ Ready in 2 hrs 45 min
Hard
👥 Serves 8
Traditional Luwombo Chicken
🔪20 min
🔥2 hrs 30 min
👥8
⚡650 cal
Listen to recipe instructions while you cook hands-free
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Ingredients
0 of 10 ready
↓
Beef or chicken2 lbs
diced into chunks
Smoked fish1 piece
optional, adds authentic flavor
Unsalted peanuts1 cup
ground into powder
Onions2 medium
chopped
Fresh tomatoes4 large
chopped
Chicken bouillon cube1
Mushrooms1 cup
sliced
Banana leaves8 pieces
for wrapping
Kitchen stringas needed
Salt and black pepperto taste
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↓Equipment Needed
5 items required
🍲Large steaming pot with tight-fitting lid
🗄️Steaming rack or basket
🔪Sharp knife
🧵Kitchen string or twine
🍳Large skillet for browning
💡 Don't have something? Check the recipe tips for possible substitutions!
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Let's Cook!
Step 1 of 8
1
Dice meat into 2-inch chunks. Grind peanuts into fine powder. Chop onions, tomatoes, and slice mushrooms.
⏱️10 min
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Pro Tip: Prep all ingredients before starting to cook
Current
2
Prepare banana leaves: Cut into 10-inch rectangles, remove thick mid-rib. Hold over open flame for 10-15 seconds to soften, then rinse with cold water.
⏱️10 min
⚠️
Important: Be careful with the flame - leaves should soften, not burn
3
Brown the meat: Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown meat on all sides until golden. Set aside.
⏱️10 min
4
Make the sauce: In same skillet, sauté onions 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, bouillon, ground peanuts, mushrooms. Add smoked fish if using. Simmer 8-10 minutes until thick.
⏱️15 min
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Pro Tip: The sauce should be fragrant and coat the back of a spoon
5
Mix browned meat into the sauce. Place portion of mixture in center of each banana leaf. Fold sides over, then top and bottom. Tie securely with string.
⏱️15 min
6
Place steaming rack in pot with 2-3 inches of water. Arrange wrapped parcels on rack. Cover tightly.
⏱️5 min
7
Bring to boil, then reduce to medium-low. Steam for 2+ hours, checking water level every 30 minutes.
⏱️120 min
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Pro Tip: Luwombo is ready when meat falls apart easily
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Important: Don't let the pot run dry! Add more water if needed.
8
Serve parcels still wrapped - guests unwrap at the table for the full aromatic experience. Serve with mashed plantains or posho.
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Pro Tip: The banana leaf aroma is part of the dish!
💡 Pro Tips
- •The longer steaming time creates the authentic flavor - don't rush it
- •Flame-softening banana leaves is crucial for proper wrapping
- •Smoked fish adds authentic royal Buganda flavor
- •This dish was created in 1887 for Kabaka Mwanga