Poulet Nyembwe
Poulet Nyembwe, Gabon's national dish, is a rich and savory chicken stew cooked in a flavorful sauce made from palm nuts. It's known for its tender chicken and the unique, earthy taste of the nyembwe sauce.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Chicken(cut into pieces)
- 800 g Palm nut sauce (Sauce Graine)(canned or fresh)
- 2 medium Onions(diced)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Red palm oil
- 1 liter Water
- 2 pieces Bouillon cubes
- 3 tbsp Mustard
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- to taste Salt
- 1 piece Hot pepper(optional, pierced)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rub the chicken pieces with one bouillon cube (crumbled), black pepper, and mustard. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
💡 Tip: Marinating helps tenderize the chicken and infuse flavor. - 2
In a heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat the red palm oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides, about 8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 3
Add the diced onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and diced tomatoes, and cook for another 5 minutes.
- 4
Pour in the water and the second bouillon cube (crumbled). Bring to a boil, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits.
💡 Tip: Deglazing the pot adds extra flavor to the sauce. - 5
Stir in the palm nut sauce (Sauce Graine). If using a whole hot pepper, pierce it and add it to the pot.
- 6
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 7
Season with salt to taste. Remove the hot pepper before serving if desired.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - 8
Serve hot with steamed rice, fufu, or pounded yam.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Authentic nyembwe sauce is made from the pericarp of the African oil palm fruit.
- ✓Smoked chicken can be used for a deeper flavor.
- ✓Adjust the amount of hot pepper to your spice preference.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Other meats like fish, beef, or bush meat can be used instead of chicken.
- Add okra to the stew for added texture and flavor.