Domoda
Domoda is the national dish of Gambia, a hearty and flavorful peanut stew often made with beef or chicken, tomatoes, and vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots. It's a comforting and rich dish that reflects the importance of peanuts in Gambian cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb Beef or Chicken(cubed)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 medium Fresh chili peppers(finely chopped, adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 3 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 1 cup Natural peanut butter(unsweetened)
- 3 cups Beef or chicken stock(adjust for desired consistency)
- 2 large Carrots(peeled and sliced)
- 2 medium Sweet potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 1 tbsp Fresh ginger(grated)
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the beef or chicken cubes with salt and pepper. Add the meat to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- 2
In the same pot, add the chopped onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to develop its flavor. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes.
- 4
Stir in the peanut butter, then slowly add the stock, stirring constantly to create a smooth, rich sauce. Add the smoked paprika and cumin.
- 5
Add the carrots and sweet potatoes to the pot. Return the browned meat to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the meat is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 6
Stir in the lemon juice and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chili as needed. Serve hot over rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more vegetables like eggplant or squash.
- ✓If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more stock or water.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili peppers to control the heat level.
🔄 Variations
- Use pumpkin or butternut squash instead of sweet potatoes.
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or okra.
- Some recipes include a bay leaf for added aroma.