Exquisite African Chicken and Peanut Stew

A tantalizing African-inspired stew that combines the richness of peanuts with an array of traditional spices, creating a harmonious and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

1	tablespoon peanut oil
2	lbs boneless chicken, cubed
1	onion, chopped
¼	cup chopped carrot
¼	cup chopped celery
1	sweet potatoes or 1 yam, cubed
2	garlic cloves, minced
½	teaspoon curry powder
½	teaspoon ground coriander
½	teaspoon ground cumin
½	teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
½	teaspoon ground ginger
¼	teaspoon cinnamon
1	bay leaf
1	teaspoon salt
2	cups chicken broth
1	tablespoon tomato paste
⅔	cup peanut butter (crunchy or creamy, doesn't matter)
3	tablespoons lemon juice
2	roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1	bell pepper, any color, cut into 1-inch pieces
¼	cup cilantro, chopped

Instructions

• 1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the peanut oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chopped onions and cubed sweet potatoes. Saute until the onions are soft and translucent.
  2. Introduce the cubed chicken into the pot, cooking until it turns opaque.
  3. Incorporate the minced garlic, aromatic curry powder, fragrant coriander, earthy cumin, and fiery crushed red pepper flakes. Allow the spices to bloom for about a minute.
  4. Add the finely chopped carrots, celery, ground ginger, a hint of cinnamon, a bay leaf, salt, chicken broth, and a dollop of tomato paste to the pot.
  5. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for 45 minutes.
  6. After the stew has simmered for the allotted time, gently stir in the creamy peanut butter. Let it cook for an additional 3 minutes, uncovered, to meld the flavors.
  7. Gently fold in the seeded and chopped roma tomatoes, as well as the colorful bell pepper cut into bite-sized pieces. Simmer until the tomatoes and pepper are tender yet retain their shape, which should take approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
  8. Finish the dish by adding a touch of fresh lemon juice. To serve, sprinkle the chopped cilantro atop the stew. For those seeking an extra kick, offer additional red pepper flakes on the side.
  9. For a wholesome pairing, serve this delectable stew over a bed of hearty brown rice. A nutritious and delightful choice!

Jul 19, 2024