Botswana Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew
A hearty and flavorful stew combining tender chicken pieces with sweet potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices, often served with a side of pap or rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken thighs(bone-in, skin-on, cut into pieces)
- 2 large Sweet potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 400 g Tomatoes(chopped or crushed)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 500 ml Chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Curry powder
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Coriander
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- a handful Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- 3
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Stir in the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until spices are fragrant.
- 6
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to break down.
- 7
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- 8
Add the cubed sweet potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 9
Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender.
- 10
Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can use chicken drumsticks or a whole cut-up chicken.
- ✓If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water.
- ✓Serve hot with pap (a stiff maize porridge), rice, or crusty bread.
🔄 Variations
- Add a can of coconut milk for a creamier stew.
- Include other root vegetables like carrots or butternut squash.
- A pinch of chili flakes can add a touch of heat.