Caldo de Mancarra (Chicken and Peanut Stew)
A rich and flavorful national dish of Guinea-Bissau, Caldo de Mancarra is a hearty stew made with chicken, peanuts, tomatoes, and spices. It's often served with rice and represents a significant part of the country's culinary heritage.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lbs Chicken thighs(bone-in, skin-on, cut into pieces)
- 300 g Peanut butter(unsweetened)
- 1 can Tomatoes(14.5 oz, crushed or pureed)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Palm oil
- 1 optional Habanero pepper(finely chopped, for heat)
- 1 cup Okra(fresh or frozen, sliced)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(or to taste)
- 2 optional Maggi cubes(for extra flavor)
- 1 tbsp Lime juice(fresh)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Clean the chicken pieces with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
💡 Tip: This helps to tenderize the chicken and add a subtle citrus note. - 2
Heat palm oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and brown on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 3
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened. Add the minced garlic and optional habanero pepper, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and optional Maggi cubes. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter and chicken broth until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the pot, stirring well to combine.
💡 Tip: If the peanut butter mixture is too thick, add a little more broth or water. - 6
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.
- 7
Add the sliced okra to the stew and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the okra is tender and the stew has thickened.
💡 Tip: If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water. - 8
Stir in the fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with cooked rice.
💡 Tip: Lime juice adds a bright finish to the rich stew.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother peanut sauce, you can sieve the peanut butter mixture before adding it to the pot.
- ✓Adjust the amount of habanero pepper to control the spiciness.
- ✓If fresh okra is not available, frozen okra can be used. Add it directly from frozen.
- ✓This stew can also be made with other meats like beef or lamb, or even with shrimp.
🔄 Variations
- Add diced cassava or sweet potato along with the okra for a heartier stew.
- A piece of dried fish or sea snail can be added for a more traditional, umami flavor.