Frango com Bagique e Amendoim
A hearty and flavorful chicken dish featuring 'bagique' (a leafy green, often sorrel or spinach), ground peanuts, and aromatic spices. This dish showcases the common use of peanuts and local greens in Guinean cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 800 g Chicken thighs(bone-in, skin-on)
- 150 g Peanut butter(unsweetened)
- 50 g Ground peanuts(for texture)
- 500 g Bagique (sorrel or spinach)(chopped)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 small Piri-piri pepper(finely chopped (optional))
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 3 tbsp Palm oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 Maggi cube(crumbled (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the palm oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides until golden. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- 2
In the same pot, add the chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and chopped piri-piri (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- 4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, ground peanuts, chicken broth, and crumbled Maggi cube (if using) until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pot with the onions and garlic.
- 5
Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 6
Add the chopped bagique (sorrel or spinach) to the pot. Stir well and cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the greens are wilted and tender.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. The sauce should be thick and rich.
- 8
Serve hot, typically with rice or millet.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If using sorrel for 'bagique', be aware of its tartness and adjust other seasonings accordingly.
- ✓For a smoother sauce, you can blend the peanut butter mixture before adding it to the pot.
- ✓Ensure the peanut butter is unsweetened to avoid an overly sweet dish.
🔄 Variations
- Add cubed sweet potatoes or cassava to the stew for a more substantial meal.
- Use beef or fish instead of chicken.
- Incorporate other local vegetables like okra.