Cooking Chicken Feet the South African Way: A Delicious and Nutritious Delight

Chicken feet, also known as chicken paws or phoenix claws, are a popular ingredient in many South African dishes, particularly in traditional and township cuisine. They are rich in protein, low in fat, and packed with collagen, making them a nutritious and delicious addition to any meal. In this article, we will explore the art of cooking chicken feet the South African way, including the benefits, preparation methods, and recipes.

The Benefits of Chicken Feet

Chicken feet are often overlooked in Western cuisine, but they are a staple in many African and Asian cultures. They offer numerous health benefits, including:

• Rich in Collagen: Chicken feet are an excellent source of collagen, a protein that is essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails.
• High in Protein: Chicken feet are a good source of protein, making them an excellent option for those looking to increase their protein intake.
• Low in Fat: Chicken feet are low in fat, making them a healthy alternative to other meat options.
• Rich in Minerals: Chicken feet are a good source of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Preparing Chicken Feet for Cooking

Before cooking chicken feet, it’s essential to prepare them properly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare chicken feet for cooking:

Cleaning and Washing

• Rinse the chicken feet under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
• Soak the chicken feet in a mixture of water and vinegar for about 30 minutes to remove any impurities.
• Rinse the chicken feet under cold running water to remove any remaining vinegar solution.

Removing the Scales

• Use a sharp knife or a pair of kitchen shears to remove the scales from the chicken feet.
• Rinse the chicken feet under cold running water to remove any remaining scales.

Blanching

• Place the chicken feet in a large pot of boiling water and blanch for about 5-7 minutes.
• Remove the chicken feet from the water and rinse them under cold running water to stop the cooking process.

Cooking Chicken Feet South African Style

There are several ways to cook chicken feet South African style, including stewing, braising, and frying. Here are a few recipes to get you started:

Chicken Feet Stew (Umngqusho)

Umngqusho is a traditional South African dish made with chicken feet, samp (crushed corn kernels), and beans. Here’s a recipe to make a delicious and hearty chicken feet stew:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken feet
• 1 cup samp
• 1 cup beans
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the chicken feet, samp, beans, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1-2 hours or until the chicken feet are tender.

Chicken Feet Braise (Sosaties)

Sosaties are a popular South African dish made with marinated meat (usually lamb or chicken) cooked on skewers. Here’s a recipe to make delicious chicken feet sosaties:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken feet
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken feet to the marinade and mix well to coat.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat.
5. Remove the chicken feet from the marinade and thread them onto skewers.
6. Brush the chicken feet with oil and grill for about 5-7 minutes per side or until they are cooked through.

Chicken Feet Fritters (Magwinya)

Magwinya are a popular South African snack made with fried dough balls. Here’s a recipe to make delicious chicken feet magwinya:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken feet
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, and baking powder.
2. Add the chicken feet to the flour mixture and mix well to coat.
3. Gradually add the water to the mixture and mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
5. Divide the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly into disks.
6. Heat the oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
7. Fry the chicken feet disks for about 3-5 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Conclusion

Cooking chicken feet the South African way is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy this often-overlooked ingredient. Whether you prefer to stew, braise, or fry your chicken feet, there’s a recipe out there for you. So next time you’re at the butcher or supermarket, be sure to pick up some chicken feet and give them a try. Your taste buds and body will thank you!

Additional Tips and Variations

• To add some extra flavor to your chicken feet, try adding some aromatics such as onions, garlic, and ginger to the pot.
• For a spicy kick, add some diced chili peppers or red pepper flakes to the recipe.
• To make your chicken feet more tender, try soaking them in a mixture of water and vinegar for a few hours before cooking.
• Experiment with different seasonings and spices to give your chicken feet a unique flavor.

Note: The cooking times and servings listed in the table are approximate and may vary depending on individual preferences and circumstances.

What are the health benefits of eating chicken feet?

Eating chicken feet is a nutritious and delicious way to incorporate more protein, collagen, and minerals into your diet. Chicken feet are rich in collagen, which is essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails. They are also a good source of protein, which is necessary for muscle growth and repair. Additionally, chicken feet contain minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are important for bone health.

In South African cuisine, chicken feet are often cooked in a way that makes them tender and flavorful. The slow-cooking process breaks down the collagen, making it easy to digest and absorb the nutrients. Eating chicken feet can also help to improve joint health and reduce inflammation. The gelatinous texture of cooked chicken feet is also soothing for the digestive system.

How do I clean and prepare chicken feet for cooking?

To clean and prepare chicken feet for cooking, start by rinsing them under cold running water. Remove any dirt, debris, or feathers from the feet. You can also soak the feet in cold water for about 30 minutes to loosen any dirt or impurities. After soaking, scrub the feet with a brush to remove any remaining dirt or debris.

Once the feet are clean, you can trim the toenails and remove any excess skin or fat. You can also blanch the feet in boiling water for a few minutes to remove any impurities and give them a cleaner flavor. After blanching, rinse the feet under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels. The feet are now ready to be cooked in your favorite South African recipe.

What is the traditional South African way of cooking chicken feet?

In South African cuisine, chicken feet are often cooked in a flavorful stew or braise. The traditional way of cooking chicken feet is to slow-cook them in a pot with some aromatics such as onions, garlic, and ginger. The feet are usually browned in a pot before adding liquid such as stock or water. The pot is then covered and the feet are simmered for several hours until they are tender and flavorful.

The slow-cooking process breaks down the collagen in the feet, making them tender and gelatinous. The resulting stew or braise is rich and flavorful, with a thick and syrupy sauce. Chicken feet can also be cooked in a pressure cooker to reduce the cooking time. However, the traditional slow-cooking method is still the most popular way of cooking chicken feet in South African cuisine.

Can I use chicken feet in other recipes besides stews and braises?

Yes, chicken feet can be used in a variety of recipes besides stews and braises. They can be used to make a delicious and nutritious chicken stock or broth. Simply simmer the feet in water for several hours to extract the collagen and minerals. The resulting stock can be used as a base for soups, stews, or sauces.

Chicken feet can also be pickled or fried as a crispy snack. They can be marinated in a mixture of vinegar, spices, and herbs before being deep-fried until crispy. Pickled chicken feet are a popular snack in some parts of South Africa. They can be served as a side dish or used as a topping for salads or sandwiches.

Are chicken feet safe to eat?

Yes, chicken feet are safe to eat as long as they are handled and cooked properly. Chicken feet can harbor bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, which can cause food poisoning. However, these bacteria can be killed by cooking the feet thoroughly.

It’s essential to handle chicken feet safely by washing your hands thoroughly before and after handling them. The feet should also be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below. When cooking chicken feet, make sure they are heated to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to kill any bacteria.

Can I buy chicken feet in any supermarket?

Chicken feet may not be readily available in all supermarkets, especially in Western countries. However, they can be found in some specialty stores or butcher shops that sell international or ethnic ingredients. In South Africa, chicken feet are widely available in most supermarkets and butcher shops.

If you can’t find chicken feet in your local supermarket, you can try looking for them in Asian or Latin American markets. Some online retailers also sell chicken feet, which can be delivered to your doorstep. You can also ask your local butcher if they can order chicken feet for you.

How do I store cooked chicken feet?

Cooked chicken feet can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. It’s essential to cool the feet to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing them. This will help prevent bacterial growth and keep the feet fresh for longer.

When refrigerating cooked chicken feet, make sure they are stored in a sealed container and kept at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below. When freezing, place the feet in a freezer-safe bag or container and label it with the date. Frozen chicken feet can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator or reheated straight from the freezer.