Chicken in Peanut and Tomato Sauce

Cameroonian Chicken in Peanut and Tomato Sauce Recipe

Region / culture: Cameroon | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken in Peanut and Tomato Sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the rich flavors of peanuts and tomatoes with tender chicken pieces. This dish is popular in many African countries and is a staple in many households.

History

This recipe has its origins in West Africa, where peanuts are a common ingredient in many dishes. The combination of peanuts and tomatoes creates a unique and savory sauce that pairs perfectly with chicken. This dish has been passed down through generations and is a favorite among many families.

Ingredients

peanut oil
1 chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 onions, cut up
2 or 3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup tomato paste
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup water
red pepper, black pepper, salt

How to prepare

Heat a couple of spoonfuls of oil in a deep pot.
Add the chicken and fry it on both sides until it is browned.
Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Fry the onions and garlic in the same pot.
Stir in tomato paste.
Reduce the heat and simmer for a few minutes.
Return the chicken to the pot.
Stir in peanut butter and add enough water to make the mixture of tomato paste and peanut butter into a smooth sauce.
Add red pepper, black pepper, and salt to taste.
Serve with fufu or Baton de Manioc.

Variations

You can add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or spinach to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.
For a spicier version, add some chili peppers or hot sauce to the sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the chicken pieces before adding them back to the pot. This will help seal in the juices and create a more flavorful dish.

- Adjust the amount of peanut butter and tomato paste to suit your taste preferences. You can add more or less of each ingredient to create a sauce that is to your liking.

- Serve the dish with fufu or Baton de Manioc for a traditional African meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Chicken in Peanut and Tomato Sauce with fufu or Baton de Manioc for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Make sure to simmer the sauce on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and create a rich and savory sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use almond butter or cashew butter in place of peanut butter for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat the sauce and add the chicken before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Chicken in Peanut and Tomato Sauce in a large serving bowl with a side of fufu or Baton de Manioc for a traditional presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a side of steamed rice or couscous for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in a pot on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

400 per serving

Carbohydrates

15g per serving

Fats

25g per serving

Proteins

30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron, and Calcium.

Alergens

This dish contains peanuts.

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and healthy fats. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious meal option.

Summary

Chicken in Peanut and Tomato Sauce is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a family meal or special occasion. With its rich flavors and tender chicken pieces, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the most amazing aroma of spices and herbs wafting through the air. Maria was busy at the stove, stirring a pot of bubbling sauce with a look of pure delight on her face.

I couldn't resist asking her what she was cooking, and she smiled mischievously before revealing her secret recipe for Chicken in Peanut and Tomato Sauce. She had learned it from her grandmother, who had passed it down to her with a warning to guard it closely. Maria knew I loved to cook and share recipes, so she decided to trust me with this precious family heirloom.

I watched intently as she added the chicken pieces to the pot, along with a generous dollop of creamy peanut butter and a splash of tangy tomato sauce. The combination of flavors was unlike anything I had ever tasted before – rich and savory, with a hint of sweetness and a touch of heat from the spices. I was hooked from the first bite.

After that day, I couldn't stop thinking about the delicious Chicken in Peanut and Tomato Sauce. I knew I had to learn how to make it myself, so I asked Maria if she would teach me. She agreed, and we spent an entire afternoon in her kitchen, chopping vegetables, marinating the chicken, and simmering the sauce to perfection.

As I watched Maria work her magic, I realized that there was so much more to cooking than just following a recipe. It was about love and passion, creativity and intuition. Maria cooked with her heart, and that's what made her dishes so special.

After that day, I made Chicken in Peanut and Tomato Sauce whenever I could. I shared it with my family and friends, who all raved about its unique and delicious flavors. I even entered it in a local cooking competition, where it won first prize and earned me a spot in the newspaper.

Over the years, I continued to make the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes. Sometimes I added more garlic and ginger for an extra kick, or swapped out the chicken for tofu to make it vegetarian-friendly. Each time I cooked it, I felt a sense of connection to Maria and her grandmother, who had passed down this culinary treasure to me.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, stirring a pot of Chicken in Peanut and Tomato Sauce, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift of this recipe. It has brought me joy and fulfillment, and has connected me to a long line of women who have shared their love of cooking with me.

As I take a taste of the rich and flavorful sauce, I can't help but smile. The memory of that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen will always be with me, guiding me as I continue to cook and create delicious meals for my loved ones. And I know that wherever Maria and her grandmother are, they are smiling down on me, proud of the cook I have become.