Chicken in Peanut-Tomato Sauce

Chicken in Peanut-Tomato Sauce Recipe from Central African Republic

Region / culture: Central African Republic | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken in Peanut-Tomato Sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the rich and nutty taste of peanut butter with the tangy sweetness of tomato sauce. This dish is popular in many African countries, where peanuts are a staple ingredient in many traditional recipes.

History

The origins of Chicken in Peanut-Tomato Sauce can be traced back to West Africa, where peanuts are commonly used in cooking. The combination of peanuts and tomatoes creates a unique and savory flavor profile that is loved by many.

Ingredients

1 cup peanut oil (or any cooking oil)
1 chicken (for the gourmet version, 4 to 6 chicken breasts) cut into bite-sized or serving-sized pieces
1 or 2 onions, cut up
1 or 2 cloves of garlic, minced (optional)
1 cup tomato paste (or tomato sauce)
1 cup natural peanut butter (or homemade)
1 cup water
cayenne pepper or 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 and almost cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside. (It is recommended to fry a portion of the chicken at a time, removing it, and then repeating the process two or three times. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly without touching each other while frying.)
In the same pot, fry the onions and garlic. Stir in tomato paste and let it simmer for a few minutes. Return the chicken to the pot.
Stir in peanut butter (if using peanuts, first shell and roast them, then grind or mash them into a paste, adding water if needed). Make sure to use very low heat to prevent scorching. Stir in enough water to make a smooth sauce with the tomato paste and peanut butter. Add spices according to taste. Stir well. Simmer on low heat until the chicken is fully cooked.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or carrots to the sauce for extra vegetables.
Use bone-in chicken pieces for a richer flavor.
Substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the chicken before adding it back to the pot with the sauce. This will help to seal in the juices and keep the chicken moist.

- Use natural peanut butter or homemade peanut paste for the best flavor. Avoid using peanut butter with added sugar or preservatives.

- Adjust the amount of water in the sauce to achieve your desired consistency. Add more water for a thinner sauce or less water for a thicker sauce.

- Season the dish with salt and other spices to taste. Common spices used in Chicken in Peanut-Tomato Sauce include cumin, coriander, and paprika.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken in Peanut-Tomato Sauce over cooked rice or with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Use a deep pot or Dutch oven to cook the chicken and sauce together.

- Simmer the sauce on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond butter or cashew butter as a substitute for peanut butter.

- Substitute chicken with beef or lamb for a different protein option.

Make Ahead Tips

Chicken in Peanut-Tomato Sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken in Peanut-Tomato Sauce in a large serving bowl with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and fresh herbs on top. Pair with a side of fluffy rice or warm bread.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken in Peanut-Tomato Sauce with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables. For drinks, try serving with a cold beer or a glass of fruity red wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Chicken in Peanut-Tomato Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 12g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 25g per serving

Saturated Fat: 5g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken in Peanut-Tomato Sauce is a good source of vitamin B6, niacin, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts.

Summary

Chicken in Peanut-Tomato Sauce is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is high in protein and healthy fats. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a well-rounded meal option.

Summary

Chicken in Peanut-Tomato Sauce is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With its rich and savory flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always stay with me. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little village. Maria was known throughout the town for her delicious cooking, and she had promised to teach me one of her favorite recipes that day.

We spent the morning gathering ingredients from her garden and the local market. As we walked through the bustling streets, Maria told me stories about each ingredient and how they were essential to creating the perfect flavors in her dishes. I listened intently, eager to learn from her vast knowledge and experience.

Once we had everything we needed, we returned to Maria's cozy kitchen, where she began to show me how to make Chicken in Peanut-Tomato Sauce. The aroma of the spices filled the air as she expertly chopped and sautéed the ingredients. I watched in awe as she worked her magic, turning simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

As the dish simmered on the stove, Maria told me the story behind the recipe. She explained that she had learned it from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through generations. The secret, she said, was in the balance of flavors – the sweetness of the tomatoes, the richness of the peanut butter, and the warmth of the spices all coming together in perfect harmony.

As we sat down to enjoy the meal, I took my first bite and was instantly transported to a world of exquisite flavors and aromas. The tender chicken, bathed in the creamy peanut-tomato sauce, was like nothing I had ever tasted before. It was a revelation, a culinary masterpiece that I knew I had to recreate in my own kitchen.

After that day, I made Chicken in Peanut-Tomato Sauce countless times, each time tweaking the recipe slightly to suit my own tastes. I shared it with friends and family, who all marveled at the complex flavors and comforting warmth of the dish. It became a staple in my own kitchen, a reminder of that special day with Maria and the timeless tradition of passing down recipes through generations.

To this day, whenever I make Chicken in Peanut-Tomato Sauce, I think of Maria and her warm kitchen, filled with the scents of spices and laughter. It is a recipe that has brought me closer to my roots, to the traditions and flavors of my ancestors. And for that, I am forever grateful.