Hkatenkwan

Hkatenkwan Recipe - Traditional Ghanaian Chicken Stew with Peanut and Vegetables

Region / culture: Ghana | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Hkatenkwan, also known as groundnut soup, is a popular West African dish made with peanuts and a variety of vegetables. This hearty and flavorful stew is perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly day.

History

Hkatenkwan has its origins in Ghana, where it is a staple dish enjoyed by many. The combination of peanuts, chicken, and vegetables creates a rich and satisfying stew that is loved by both locals and visitors alike.

Ingredients

3 lb (1.36 kg) of chicken, cut into pieces
0.5 of a whole onion
2 tbsp of tomato paste
1 tbsp of peanut oil or other light cooking oil
1 cup of well-chopped onion
1 cup of chopped tomatoes
0.67 cup of peanut butter
2 tsp of salt
2 tsp of grated fresh ginger
2 hot chilies, crushed
1 tsp of ground ginger
1 tsp of cayenne powder
2 cups of fresh or frozen okra
1 medium-sized eggplant, peeled and cubed

How to prepare

In many parts of Africa, soups and stews made with peanuts, commonly known as groundnuts, are popular main-meal dishes. This version can be quite spicy, depending on the heat of your chilies or Cayenne pepper. If you prefer milder flavors, start with half the amount of pepper mentioned in the recipe.
Begin by boiling the chicken with ginger and half of the onion in approximately 2 cups of water.
Meanwhile, in a separate large pot, heat the oil over low heat and fry the tomato paste for about five minutes. Add the chopped onions and tomatoes to the paste, stirring occasionally until the onions become translucent. Remove the partially cooked chicken pieces from the boiling water and transfer them, along with about half of the broth, to the large pot. Add the peanut butter, salt, and peppers. Cook for five minutes before adding the eggplant and okra. Continue cooking until the chicken and vegetables are tender. Add more broth as needed to maintain a thick, stew-like consistency.
To make this a vegetarian dish, replace the chicken with 2 vegetable bouillon cubes. Alternatively, you can stretch the chicken by removing the meat from the bone.
Similar to many West African dishes, this stew has a spicy kick. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of peppers or Cayenne pepper. Serve the stew over rice.

Variations

Add more vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
Use different types of meat such as beef or lamb for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with vegetable bouillon cubes.

- Adjust the amount of peppers or Cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.

- Serve the stew over rice for a complete and filling meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hkatenkwan over a bed of fluffy white rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the chicken with ginger and onion to infuse the broth with flavor.

- Fry the tomato paste before adding the onions and tomatoes for a richer taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable bouillon cubes instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.

- Substitute okra with green beans or peas if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Hkatenkwan 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 and fresh cilantro for a pop of color and added texture.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Hkatenkwan with a side of fried plantains or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat in a pot on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 420 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 23g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 25g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 32g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts.

Summary

Hkatenkwan is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a meal.

Summary

Hkatenkwan is a delicious and nutritious West African stew made with peanuts, chicken, and vegetables. This hearty dish is perfect for a comforting meal that will warm you up from the inside out.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that washed over me when I found this recipe for Hkatenkwan. It was tucked away in an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother many years ago. The name itself intrigued me, and as I read through the ingredients and instructions, I knew that I had to give it a try.

I had never heard of Hkatenkwan before, but I soon learned that it is a traditional Ghanaian peanut soup that is rich and flavorful. As someone who loves to experiment in the kitchen, I was excited to try my hand at making this exotic dish.

I decided to make Hkatenkwan for a family gathering that we were hosting at our home. As I gathered the ingredients – chicken, peanut butter, tomatoes, onions, and spices – I couldn't help but think about the journey that had brought this recipe to my kitchen.

I remembered the first time I had tasted Hkatenkwan many years ago. It was at a potluck dinner hosted by a friend from Ghana. I was immediately drawn to the aroma of the simmering soup, and when I took my first spoonful, I was hooked. The combination of flavors – the richness of the peanut butter, the tanginess of the tomatoes, and the warmth of the spices – was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

I asked my friend for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me. She explained that Hkatenkwan is a staple in Ghanaian cuisine, often served with fufu, a starchy side dish made from cassava or plantains. I was fascinated by the way that food could connect us to different cultures and traditions, and I knew that I wanted to learn more about Ghanaian cooking.

Over the years, I had collected recipes from friends, family, and even strangers that I had met while traveling. Each one was a piece of someone else's story, a way to connect with a different part of the world through the universal language of food.

As I started to prepare the Hkatenkwan, I thought about the hands that had passed down this recipe to me – my friend from Ghana, my grandmother, and all of the other people who had shared their love of cooking with me. I felt a sense of gratitude for the way that food had enriched my life and brought me closer to others.

The soup simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its enticing aroma. As I stirred in the peanut butter and added the chicken and vegetables, I thought about the people who would be gathering around our table to enjoy this meal together. Food has a way of bringing people together, of creating shared memories and moments of joy.

Finally, it was time to serve the Hkatenkwan. I ladled the soup into bowls and garnished it with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro. As my family and friends took their first bites, I could see the delight on their faces. The flavors of the soup were complex and comforting, a reflection of the care and effort that had gone into making it.

As we ate together, sharing stories and laughter, I felt a deep sense of connection to the past and to the people who had taught me how to make this delicious dish. Food is more than just sustenance – it is a way to honor our heritage, to celebrate our shared humanity, and to create moments of joy and connection.

And so, as I look back on that day when I first discovered the recipe for Hkatenkwan, I am grateful for the journey that it has taken me on. It has brought me closer to my own roots, to the traditions of others, and to the simple joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. I am reminded that food is a powerful force that can nourish both body and soul, and that the recipes we pass down through generations are more than just instructions – they are a link to our past and a gift to our future.