Botswana Chicken and Peanut Stew with Dumplings
A hearty and flavorful stew featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich peanut sauce, served with soft, fluffy dumplings. This dish is a comforting staple, often prepared for family gatherings.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Chicken pieces(bone-in, skin-on thighs and drumsticks recommended)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger(grated fresh)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned, diced)
- 250 g Peanut butter(smooth, unsweetened)
- 1 liter Chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Curry powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Coriander
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 2 cups All-purpose flour(for dumplings)
- 2 teaspoons Baking powder(for dumplings)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt(for dumplings)
- 3/4 cup Milk(approx., for dumplings)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure even coating for best flavor. - 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown chicken pieces on all sides until golden. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 3
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
💡 Tip: Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. - 4
Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5
Add diced tomatoes, curry powder, cumin, and coriander. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- 6
In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter and chicken broth until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pot.
💡 Tip: Ensuring the peanut butter is well combined prevents lumps. - 7
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, or until chicken is tender.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 8
While the stew simmers, prepare the dumplings. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
💡 Tip: Sift dry ingredients for lighter dumplings. - 9
Gradually add milk to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Do not overmix.
- 10
Increase the heat of the stew to a gentle simmer. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering stew.
💡 Tip: Leave space between dumplings as they will expand. - 11
Cover the pot tightly and let the dumplings steam for 15-20 minutes, without lifting the lid.
💡 Tip: A tight-fitting lid is crucial for steaming. - 12
Check dumplings for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean. Season the stew with additional salt and pepper to taste before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a spicier stew, add a pinch of chili flakes or a chopped chili pepper with the garlic and ginger.
- ✓If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water.
- ✓Ensure the peanut butter is unsweetened for the best savory flavor profile.
🔄 Variations
- Add chopped sweet potatoes or butternut squash to the stew during the last 30 minutes of simmering.
- For a richer flavor, use chicken thighs with skin on and bone in.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.