Poulet Graine
Poulet Graine is a flavorful Gabonese chicken dish cooked in a rich sauce made from ground seeds, often peanuts or sesame seeds, combined with tomatoes, onions, and spices. It's a hearty and aromatic meal, typically served with rice or fufu.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken pieces(bone-in, cut into serving pieces)
- 200 g Groundnuts (peanuts) or sesame seeds(roasted and ground into a paste)
- 400 g Tomatoes(chopped or pureed)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger(grated)
- 3 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 2 cups Chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 optional Chili pepper(finely chopped, to taste)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 Bay leaf
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
- 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
- 3
Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- 6
Add the chopped tomatoes (or puree) and the groundnut/sesame seed paste. Stir well to combine.
- 7
Pour in the chicken broth or water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the bay leaf and optional chili pepper.
- 8
Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Ensure they are mostly submerged in the sauce.
- 9
Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 10
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother sauce, you can blend the cooked chicken and sauce together before returning the chicken pieces to the pot.
- ✓If using peanuts, ensure they are roasted and ground into a fine paste for the best texture.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili pepper to your preferred level of spice.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or okra during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Use different types of seeds like sunflower seeds for the sauce.
- For a richer flavor, use smoked chicken.