Frango com Amendoim e Legumes
A flavorful chicken dish simmered in a rich peanut sauce with a medley of fresh vegetables, reflecting West African influences on Cape Verdean cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g Chicken thighs(boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 0.5 cup Peanut butter(smooth or crunchy, unsweetened)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Ginger(freshly grated)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned diced, undrained)
- 1.5 cups Chicken broth
- 1 medium Bell pepper(any color, chopped)
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and sliced)
- 1 medium Zucchini(chopped)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 0.25 cup Cilantro or parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 2
Add chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the peanut butter until it begins to melt. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a simmer.
- 4
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5
Add the chopped bell pepper, sliced carrots, and chopped zucchini to the pot. Stir to combine. Cover and continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and chicken is cooked through.
- 6
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes.
- 7
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley. This dish is excellent served with rice or couscous.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use unsweetened peanut butter for better control over the sweetness of the sauce.
- ✓If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the sauce before adding the vegetables.
- ✓Feel free to add other vegetables like sweet potatoes or green beans.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Substitute chicken with firm tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian or pescatarian option.