Chicken Groundnut Stew

Chicken Groundnut Stew Recipe - Authentic West African Cuisine

Region / culture: West Africa | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 2 to 2.5 hours | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Chicken Groundnut Stew is a delicious and hearty dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and flavorful peanut sauce. This West African-inspired recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening.

History

Chicken Groundnut Stew, also known as Chicken Peanut Stew, originates from West Africa, where peanuts are a staple ingredient in many dishes. This stew is a popular comfort food in countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal, where it is often served with rice or fufu.

Ingredients

2 tbsp oil
3 to 4 lb (1.81 kg) chicken, cut into pieces
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp butter
2 onions, diced
5 medium carrots or 3 cups, sliced 0.25 inch thick on bias
4 cloves garlic, mashed
1 inch peeled ginger
1.5 cups chopped tomatoes
6 cups chicken stock or broth, divided
2 oz (57 g) fresh thyme leaves
1 habanero, pierced
1 cup smooth natural peanut butter
2 tbsp tomato paste
0.5 cup roasted unsalted peanuts, chopped for garnish

How to prepare

Heat 2 tbsp of oil in an oven roasting pan.
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then brown them in the hot pan. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
Drain off excess fat.
Add butter to the pan and sauté onions for five minutes or until soft.
Add carrots (and any additional vegetables), garlic, ginger, and tomatoes.
Pour 4 cups of hot chicken stock into the pan. Add thyme and habanero.
In a separate bowl, whisk peanut butter and tomato paste into the remaining 2 cups of stock. Add this mixture to the pan.
Return the chicken to the pan.
Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours or until the chicken falls from the bones.
Season with salt and pepper.
Serve with rice, potatoes, or noodles.

Variations

Add sweet potatoes or plantains for a sweeter flavor.
Use almond butter or cashew butter as a substitute for peanut butter.
Add spinach or kale for added nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the chicken pieces before adding them to the stew to enhance the flavor.

- Adjust the spiciness of the stew by adding more or less habanero pepper.

- For a creamier texture, you can blend some of the stew before serving.

- Garnish with chopped peanuts for added crunch and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Groundnut Stew with rice, couscous, or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken before adding it to the stew helps to seal in the juices and enhance the flavor.

- Simmering the stew for a longer period of time allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of chicken pieces.

- Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth for a vegetarian version of the stew.

Make Ahead Tips

Chicken Groundnut Stew can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the stew with chopped peanuts, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of coconut milk for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken Groundnut Stew with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 480 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 24g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 32g per serving

Saturated Fat: 7g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 38g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 120% DV

Vitamin C: 30% DV

Iron: 20% DV

Alergens

Contains peanuts

Summary

Chicken Groundnut Stew is a rich and flavorful dish that is high in protein and healthy fats. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious meal option.

Summary

Chicken Groundnut Stew is a flavorful and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With a rich peanut sauce and tender chicken, this West African-inspired recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Chicken Groundnut Stew. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Africa. My grandmother, a wise and talented cook, had taught me the basics of cooking from a young age. She shared with me the importance of using fresh ingredients, taking your time, and infusing your dishes with love and care.

One day, while exploring the bustling market in our village, I stumbled upon a group of women huddled around a large pot, laughing and chatting as they stirred the bubbling stew inside. The aroma that wafted through the air was intoxicating, and I knew I had to find out what they were making.

I timidly approached the group of women and asked them about the stew. They smiled warmly at me and invited me to join them. They explained that they were making Chicken Groundnut Stew, a traditional dish that was passed down through generations in their families.

As they showed me the ingredients and the process of making the stew, I was mesmerized. Groundnuts, or peanuts as we called them, were ground into a smooth paste and cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices. The chicken was then added to the pot and simmered until tender, creating a rich and hearty dish that was bursting with flavor.

I watched and learned as the women worked together, each one adding their own unique touch to the stew. Some added extra chili for a spicy kick, while others preferred a sweeter flavor by adding a touch of honey. It was fascinating to see how each woman made the recipe her own, while still staying true to the traditional roots of the dish.

After spending the day with the women and learning their recipe for Chicken Groundnut Stew, I rushed home to share my newfound knowledge with my grandmother. She listened attentively as I excitedly recounted the day's events and the delicious stew we had made together.

With a twinkle in her eye, my grandmother smiled and told me that she had her own version of Chicken Groundnut Stew that she had learned from a friend many years ago. She pulled out her tattered old recipe book, filled with handwritten notes and splattered with food stains, and showed me her recipe.

Together, we set to work in the kitchen, gathering the fresh ingredients and following the steps of the recipe. As we cooked, the familiar aromas of garlic, onions, and tomatoes filled the air, bringing back memories of my childhood and the countless dishes my grandmother had taught me to make.

As we sat down to eat the stew, my grandmother and I shared stories and laughter, savoring each spoonful of the rich and flavorful dish. The Chicken Groundnut Stew was a triumph, a perfect blend of tradition and personal touch that spoke to the heart of our family's love for food and cooking.

From that day on, Chicken Groundnut Stew became a staple in our household, a dish that we would make together on special occasions and holidays. It was a recipe that brought us closer together, connecting us to our past and the generations of women who had come before us.

As I sit here now, many years later, with my own grandchildren gathered around me in the kitchen, I can't help but feel grateful for the recipes and traditions that have been passed down through our family. The recipe for Chicken Groundnut Stew is just one of many treasures that I cherish, a reminder of the joy and love that can be found in a simple bowl of food shared with loved ones. And I know that as long as I have these recipes and memories to pass on, our family's culinary legacy will continue to thrive for generations to come.