Ground Nut Stew

Nigerian Ground Nut Stew Recipe | Chicken, Peanut Butter, Rice, Tomatoes

Region / culture: Nigeria | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Ground Nut Stew is a traditional African dish that is rich, flavorful, and comforting. This stew is made with stewing chicken, peanut butter, and a blend of spices that create a delicious and hearty meal.

History

Ground Nut Stew, also known as Peanut Stew, has its origins in West Africa, particularly in countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal. It is a popular dish in many African households and is often served during special occasions and celebrations.

Ingredients

2.5 to 3 lb (1.36 kg) stewing chicken
1 tsp salt
0.13 – 0.25 tsp hot pepper
1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 to 1.5 cup natural peanut butter
rice, cooked according to directions
side dishes suggested:
chopped tomatoes

How to prepare

Bring the chicken to a boil with approximately 2 qt (1.89 liters) of water.
Add salt, hot pepper, onion, and garlic.
Simmer until the chicken is tender, then let it cool.
Remove the bones from the chicken.
Mix 0.5 cup of peanut butter per pound of chicken (based on the weight before cooking) with the hot broth until a smooth sauce is formed.
Add the chicken and cook it slowly for at least half an hour. It can be cooked for several hours in a crockpot.
If a thicker gravy is preferred, thicken it with cornstarch.
Add salt to taste.
Serve the chicken over hot cooked rice, accompanied by side dishes of tropical fruits, similar to how you would serve curry.

Variations

You can substitute the stewing chicken with beef, lamb, or tofu for a different flavor.
Add vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers for added nutrition and texture.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of hot pepper or add chili flakes.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of the stew, you can add additional spices such as ginger, cumin, and coriander.

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

- Make sure to stir the stew occasionally to prevent the peanut butter from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Serving Suggestions

Ground Nut Stew is traditionally served over hot cooked rice, accompanied by side dishes of chopped tomatoes and tropical fruits. It can also be served with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the stew on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Stir the stew occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

- Adjust the seasoning to taste before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have stewing chicken, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts.

- Almond butter or cashew butter can be used as a substitute for peanut butter.

- Use vegetable broth instead of water for a vegetarian version of the stew.

Make Ahead Tips

Ground Nut Stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the stew on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Ground Nut Stew in a large bowl over a bed of hot cooked rice, garnished with chopped tomatoes and fresh herbs. You can also sprinkle some crushed peanuts on top for added crunch.

Pairing Recommendations

Ground Nut Stew pairs well with a side of steamed white rice, couscous, or quinoa. It also goes well with a side of flatbread or naan for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Ground Nut Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the stew on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ground Nut Stew contains around 400-500 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal.

Carbohydrates

Ground Nut Stew is a carbohydrate-rich dish due to the addition of rice as a side dish. Each serving contains approximately 40-50 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Peanut butter is the main source of fat in this stew, providing healthy monounsaturated fats. Each serving contains around 20-25 grams of fat.

Proteins

The stewing chicken is a great source of protein, with each serving containing approximately 30-35 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Ground Nut Stew is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin B6, vitamin E, niacin, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts, which are a common allergen. It is important to be cautious if you or your guests have a peanut allergy.

Summary

Ground Nut Stew is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Ground Nut Stew is a delicious and comforting African dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With its rich flavors and nutritious ingredients, this stew is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old recipe box that belonged to my dear friend, Mrs. Thompson. She had passed away a few years ago, and her family had given me the box as a keepsake. As I flipped through the yellowed index cards and tattered scraps of paper, I stumbled upon a recipe for Ground Nut Stew.

I had never heard of Ground Nut Stew before, but the ingredients intrigued me. Ground nuts, tomatoes, onions, and spices all blended together to create a rich and savory dish. I immediately knew that I had to try it.

I remembered Mrs. Thompson telling me about the time she spent in Africa many years ago. She had learned to make Ground Nut Stew from a local woman in a small village. The flavors and aromas of the stew had stayed with her all these years, and now they would stay with me too.

I set out to gather all the ingredients I would need to make the Ground Nut Stew. I visited the local market and picked out the freshest ground nuts, ripe tomatoes, and sweet onions. I could already imagine the fragrant aroma that would fill my kitchen as the stew simmered on the stove.

As I began to prepare the stew, I followed the recipe carefully, adding each ingredient with love and care. The ground nuts were ground into a smooth paste, the tomatoes were diced finely, and the onions were sautéed until they were golden and fragrant.

I could feel Mrs. Thompson's presence in the kitchen with me as I cooked. I could almost hear her voice guiding me through the recipe, telling me when to add the spices and how long to let the stew simmer. It was as if she was passing on her knowledge and love for cooking to me through this recipe.

Finally, the Ground Nut Stew was ready. I ladled it into bowls and garnished it with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts. The aroma that wafted up from the bowls was intoxicating, filling the room with the scent of spices and roasted nuts.

I took a spoonful of the stew and brought it to my lips, savoring the flavors that exploded on my tongue. The rich and creamy texture of the ground nuts, the tangy sweetness of the tomatoes, and the earthy spice of the onions all blended together perfectly. It was a taste sensation unlike any I had experienced before.

As I sat at the table enjoying my first bowl of Ground Nut Stew, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for Mrs. Thompson and the gift she had given me. This recipe wasn't just a list of ingredients and instructions - it was a connection to a dear friend and a cherished memory.

I knew that I would make this stew many more times in the years to come, sharing it with family and friends and passing on Mrs. Thompson's legacy of love and cooking. And every time I made it, I would remember that warm summer day when I found this recipe and the joy it had brought into my life.