Nigerian Groundnut Stew II

Nigerian Groundnut Stew II Recipe - Delicious Chicken and Peanut Butter Stew

Region / culture: Nigeria | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2-3 hours | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Nigerian Groundnut Stew II is a delicious and hearty dish that is popular in Nigerian cuisine. This stew is made with stewing chicken, peanut butter, and a blend of spices that create a rich and flavorful sauce. It is typically served over hot cooked rice and accompanied by side dishes of tropical fruits.

History

Groundnut stew, also known as peanut stew, is a traditional dish in Nigerian cuisine. Peanuts, or groundnuts as they are called in Nigeria, are a staple ingredient in many West African dishes. The combination of peanut butter and chicken in this stew creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that is loved by many.

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 – 1.5 cup natural peanut butter
rice, cooked according to directions
side dishes suggested:

How to prepare

Bring the chicken to a boil with about 2 qt (1.89 liters) of water.
Add salt, hot pepper, onion, and garlic.
Simmer until tender, then cool and debone the chicken.
Using 0.5 cup of peanut butter per pound of chicken (before cooking weight), mix it in the hot broth until a smooth sauce is formed.
Add the chicken and cook slowly for at least half an hour.
It can be cooked for hours in a crockpot. If a thicker gravy is preferred, thicken it with cornstarch.
Add salt to taste.
Serve over hot cooked rice with side dishes of tropical fruits, similar to how you would serve curry. "Ground nuts" is the Nigerian name for peanuts.

Variations

Substitute the stewing chicken with beef or lamb for a different flavor.
Add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and spinach to the stew for added nutrition and color.
Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture in the sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to debone the chicken after it has been cooked to make it easier to eat.

- Adjust the amount of hot pepper to suit your spice preference.

- For a thicker gravy, you can thicken the stew with cornstarch.

- Cooking the stew in a crockpot allows the flavors to meld together and creates a tender and flavorful dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Nigerian Groundnut Stew II over hot cooked rice with side dishes of tropical fruits for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the stew slowly to allow the flavors to develop and the chicken to become tender.

- Thicken the gravy with cornstarch for a richer and more velvety texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond butter or cashew butter as a substitute for peanut butter for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version of the stew.

Make Ahead Tips

The stew can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

- Store any leftovers 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 flavor. - Serve the stew in individual bowls with a scoop of rice in the center for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Nigerian Groundnut Stew II with a side of plantains or yams for a traditional Nigerian meal.

- Serve the stew with a side of Nigerian jollof rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the stew in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Nigerian Groundnut Stew II with rice contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this dish primarily come from the rice that is served with the stew. One serving of Nigerian Groundnut Stew II with rice contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The main source of fat in this recipe comes from the peanut butter used to make the sauce. One serving of Nigerian Groundnut Stew II contains approximately 25 grams of fat.

Proteins

The protein in this dish comes from the stewing chicken. One serving of Nigerian Groundnut Stew II contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This stew is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts, which are a common allergen. It is important to be mindful of any allergies when preparing and serving this dish.

Summary

Overall, Nigerian Groundnut Stew II is a nutritious and flavorful dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Nigerian Groundnut Stew II is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its rich and flavorful sauce made from peanut butter and tender stewing chicken, this stew is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Serve it over hot cooked rice with side dishes of tropical fruits for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was during my travels through Nigeria, where I stumbled upon a bustling market in Lagos. The air was filled with the rich aroma of spices and simmering stews, and my stomach growled in anticipation of the culinary delights that awaited me.

As I wandered through the market, my eyes landed on a small stall tucked away in a corner. A woman with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye was stirring a large pot of bubbling stew. Intrigued, I approached her and asked what she was cooking. She explained that it was a traditional Nigerian dish called Groundnut Stew, made with a base of peanuts, tomatoes, and spices. My mouth watered at the thought of tasting this exotic dish, and I begged her to share the recipe with me.

The woman laughed and invited me to sit with her as she cooked. As we chatted, she revealed that she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. She explained that the key to a delicious Groundnut Stew was in the balance of flavors – the nuttiness of the peanuts, the sweetness of the tomatoes, and the heat of the spices all coming together in perfect harmony.

I watched intently as she added each ingredient to the pot, stirring and tasting along the way. The smells wafting from the stew were intoxicating, and I knew that I had to recreate this dish in my own kitchen. Before I left the market that day, the woman handed me a handwritten recipe for Nigerian Groundnut Stew II, complete with detailed instructions and tips for achieving the perfect flavor profile.

Back at home, I eagerly gathered the ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen. As I chopped onions, crushed garlic, and roasted peanuts, I couldn't help but smile at the memories of my time in Nigeria. The flavors of the stew transported me back to that bustling market, where the sights, sounds, and scents had left an indelible mark on my culinary soul.

After hours of simmering and stirring, the stew was finally ready. I ladled it into a bowl and took a tentative sip, my taste buds tingling with anticipation. The first bite was a revelation – the creaminess of the peanuts, the tanginess of the tomatoes, and the kick of the spices all melding together in a symphony of flavors. I closed my eyes and savored each mouthful, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction at having recreated this traditional dish with such success.

From that day on, Nigerian Groundnut Stew II became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I shared the recipe with friends and family, delighting in their reactions as they tasted the dish for the first time. Each time I made the stew, I felt a connection to the woman in the market stall, to her grandmother, and to the rich culinary heritage of Nigeria.

As I grew older, my love for cooking only deepened, and I continued to seek out new recipes and techniques to add to my repertoire. But no matter how many dishes I tried, Nigerian Groundnut Stew II always held a special place in my heart. It was a reminder of that fateful day in the market, of the warm hospitality of the Nigerian people, and of the power of food to connect us across cultures and generations.

And so, as I sit here now, penning this story for my grandchildren to read, I hope that they too will be inspired to explore the world through the flavors and aromas of different cuisines. For in every recipe lies a story waiting to be told, a memory waiting to be shared, and a connection waiting to be made. And in the case of Nigerian Groundnut Stew II, the story is one of love, tradition, and the joy of a delicious meal shared with those we hold dear.