Plantains with Chicken Stew
Plantains with Chicken Stew Recipe from Uganda
Introduction
Plantains with Chicken Stew is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the sweetness of plantains with the savory flavors of chicken stew. This recipe is perfect for a comforting meal that will satisfy your taste buds.
History
Plantains with Chicken Stew is a traditional dish that is popular in many African and Caribbean countries. Plantains are a staple food in these regions and are often used in savory dishes like stews and curries. The combination of plantains and chicken stew creates a unique and flavorful dish that is loved by many.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Peel the plantains or green bananas and place them in a steamer or a saucepan with a rack at the bottom.
- Add water, making sure the bananas are above the water level. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring the contents to a boil, then reduce the heat and steam the bananas until they are soft.
- Remove the bananas from the liquid and mash them well.
- Place the mashed bananas in the top of a double saucepan over simmering water until ready to serve with Chicken stew.
- To make the Chicken stew, fry the Chicken in hot oil in a heavy sauté pan until it is browned.
- Add onions, tomatoes, potatoes, salt, pepper, and water to the pan.
- Cover tightly and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the Chicken is tender.
- Pour the Chicken stew over the plantains.
- This recipe serves 6 people.
- Note: The plantain and the green banana (not the banana commonly used when unripe) prepared as described above have a similar taste to mashed white potatoes.
Variations
- You can customize this recipe by adding different vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas to the chicken stew. You can also add spices like curry powder or cumin to enhance the flavor of the dish.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to steam the plantains until they are soft before mashing them. This will ensure that they have a smooth and creamy texture.
- Browning the chicken before adding it to the stew will help to enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Simmering the stew for about an hour will allow the flavors to meld together and create a rich and delicious sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Plantains with Chicken Stew can be served with a side of rice or bread to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also serve it with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
Cooking Techniques
The key cooking techniques for this recipe include steaming the plantains, browning the chicken, and simmering the stew. These techniques help to develop the flavors and textures of the dish.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have plantains, you can use green bananas as a substitute. You can also use boneless chicken thighs or breasts instead of a whole chicken for the stew.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the plantains and chicken stew ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the stew and mash the plantains before serving.
Presentation Ideas
You can garnish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. You can also serve the dish in individual bowls for a more elegant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Plantains with Chicken Stew pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer. You can also serve it with a fruity cocktail or a refreshing iced tea.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
You can store any leftovers of Plantains with Chicken Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Plantains with Chicken Stew contains approximately 350 calories.
Carbohydrates
Plantains are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for your body. Each serving of Plantains with Chicken Stew contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
The chicken stew in this recipe contains fats from the oil used for frying the chicken. Each serving of Plantains with Chicken Stew contains approximately 12 grams of fat.
Proteins
Chicken is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. Each serving of Plantains with Chicken Stew contains approximately 30 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Plantains are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. The chicken stew also contains essential nutrients like iron and zinc.
Alergens
This recipe contains chicken, which is a common allergen. If you have a chicken allergy, you can substitute the chicken with another protein source like tofu or beans.
Summary
Plantains with Chicken Stew is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a satisfying dish that will keep you full and energized.
Summary
Plantains with Chicken Stew is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the sweetness of plantains with the savory flavors of chicken stew. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a family meal or special occasion. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a hot summer day in the bustling market of Accra, Ghana. I had just finished haggling with a vendor over some fresh plantains when I heard the tantalizing aroma of chicken stew wafting through the air. Curious, I followed my nose until I came across a small stall where a woman was cooking up a storm.
As I watched her deftly chop vegetables and season the stew with a blend of spices, I knew I had to learn her secret recipe. So, I approached her and struck up a conversation. Her name was Ama, and she was kind enough to share her recipe with me.
Ama explained that plantains with chicken stew was a traditional Ghanaian dish that was beloved by families all over the country. She told me that the key to a delicious stew was in the slow cooking process, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a rich, savory sauce.
She started by browning the chicken in a hot pan, then adding in onions, garlic, and ginger to create a fragrant base. Next, she added in tomatoes, bell peppers, and a generous amount of spices – including nutmeg, allspice, and a hint of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
As the stew simmered on the stove, Ama peeled and sliced the plantains, readying them for frying. She explained that plantains were a staple in Ghanaian cuisine, enjoyed in both savory and sweet dishes. When the stew was nearly done, she added in the plantains, letting them cook until they were tender and infused with the flavors of the stew.
Finally, it was time to plate up the dish. Ama served the plantains with chicken stew in a large bowl, garnishing it with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. The combination of the tender plantains and the flavorful stew was a revelation – sweet, spicy, and utterly delicious.
I thanked Ama profusely for sharing her recipe with me and promised to recreate it at home. Over the years, I have made plantains with chicken stew countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. It has become a beloved dish in my family, a reminder of that fateful day in the market when I stumbled upon a culinary gem.
Now, whenever I make plantains with chicken stew, I think of Ama and the generosity she showed me that day. I am grateful for the wealth of recipes I have collected over the years, each one a treasure trove of flavors and memories. Cooking is more than just a hobby for me – it is a way to connect with my past, my heritage, and the people who have shaped me into the cook I am today.
So, as I sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of plantains with chicken stew, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to create moments of joy and connection. And I am grateful for the gift of cooking, passed down to me by the many cooks and chefs who have inspired me along the way.
Categories
| Banana Recipes | Cereals Recipes | Chicken Recipes | Plantain Recipes | Potato Recipes | Ugandan Meat Dishes | Ugandan Recipes |