RecipesMozambiqueGalinha com Banana e Amendoim

Galinha com Banana e Amendoim

A flavorful and comforting chicken dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich peanut and tomato sauce, complemented by the sweetness of ripe plantains. This dish showcases a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors, often served with rice or xima.

Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Servings4
DifficultyMedium
Galinha com Banana e Amendoim - Mozambique traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 1 kg Chicken thighs(bone-in, skin-on, cut into pieces)
  • 2 large Ripe plantains(peeled and sliced)
  • 2 medium Onions(chopped)
  • 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger(grated)
  • 400 g Tomatoes(canned chopped tomatoes)
  • 100 g Peanut butter(smooth)
  • 200 ml Coconut milk(full-fat)
  • 3 tablespoons Vegetable oil
  • 200 ml Chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
  • 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides until golden. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

  2. 2

    Add the chopped onions to the same pot and sauté until softened and translucent.

  3. 3

    Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Stir in the coriander powder, cumin powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until the spices are fragrant.

  5. 5

    Add the chopped tomatoes, peanut butter, and coconut milk to the pot. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

  6. 6

    Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Add the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.

  7. 7

    Add the sliced plantains to the pot. Stir gently to combine, cover, and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the plantains are tender but not mushy.

  8. 8

    Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Use ripe but firm plantains for the best texture and sweetness.
  • Adjust the amount of peanut butter and coconut milk to achieve your desired sauce consistency and richness.
  • For a spicier dish, add a pinch of chili flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper along with the garlic and ginger.

🔄 Variations

  • Add some chopped bell peppers (red or green) along with the onions for extra color and flavor.
  • For a heartier meal, add some cooked chickpeas or black-eyed peas in the last 15 minutes of cooking.

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