Poulet à la Moambé
Equatorial Guinean Style
A rich and savory chicken stew made with palm oil, peanut butter, and aromatic spices. This dish is a celebratory meal, often served with rice or fufu.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 lbs Chicken pieces(bone-in, cut into serving pieces)
- 6 tbsp Red palm oil
- 2 medium Onions(diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch Ginger(grated)
- 6 oz Tomato paste(can)
- 14.5 oz Diced tomatoes(can)
- 1 cup Water
- 1/2 cup Natural peanut butter(smooth)
- 1 tsp Red pepper flakes
- to taste Salt
- 3 Green onions(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the red palm oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- 2
Sear the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- 3
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the diced onions to the pot and sauté until softened and golden brown, about 7-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it darkens slightly. This caramelization deepens the flavor.
- 5
Add the diced tomatoes, water, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- 6
Return the seared chicken pieces to the pot. Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce. Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.
- 7
In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter with about 1/2 cup of the hot sauce from the pot until smooth. This helps to prevent lumps.
- 8
Stir the peanut butter mixture back into the pot. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Season with salt to taste.
- 9
Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions, alongside white rice, fufu, or fried plantains.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Red palm oil is traditional and imparts a unique color and flavor. If unavailable, a neutral oil like vegetable or peanut oil can be used, though the color will be different.
- ✓Ensure the peanut butter is well incorporated to avoid a greasy texture.
- ✓Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spice.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some recipes include okra, added in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- For a more intense flavor, a Maggi cube can be added with the liquid.