Chadian Fish and Peanut Stew (Mukhalat)
A rich and savory stew made with firm white fish, a creamy peanut butter base, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. It's a hearty and comforting dish, often served with rice or millet.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g Firm white fish fillets(such as tilapia, cod, or snapper, cut into chunks)
- 0.5 cup Natural peanut butter(unsweetened)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch Ginger(grated)
- 400 g Tomatoes(crushed or pureed)
- 3 cups Vegetable broth
- 1 medium Bell pepper(chopped (any color))
- 1 optional Chili pepper(finely chopped, for heat)
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Ground coriander
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric powder
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter and 1 cup of vegetable broth until smooth. Set aside.
💡 Tip: Ensure there are no lumps in the peanut butter mixture. - 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chopped bell pepper and optional chili pepper, and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- 4
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, ground cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld.
- 5
Pour in the remaining 2 cups of vegetable broth and the peanut butter mixture. Bring to a simmer, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: The stew should have a thick, creamy consistency. - 6
Gently add the fish chunks to the simmering stew. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily. Be careful not to overcook the fish.
💡 Tip: The fish should be cooked just until opaque. - 7
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Serve hot with rice, millet, or a side of bread.
💡 Tip: A squeeze of lime juice can add a bright finish.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use natural, unsweetened peanut butter for the best flavor. If using sweetened peanut butter, adjust the salt accordingly.
- ✓For a spicier stew, add more chili peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- ✓If the stew is too thick, add a little more broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
🔄 Variations
- Add a can of drained chickpeas for extra protein and texture.
- Incorporate other vegetables like sweet potatoes or spinach.
- Use chicken or beef instead of fish for a different variation.