Gambian Chicken and Peanut Stew (Kuta)
A hearty and flavorful stew featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich peanut sauce with tomatoes, onions, and spices. This dish, often referred to as 'Kuta' in some regions, is a comforting staple in Gambian cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken(cut into pieces, bone-in or boneless)
- 250 g Peanut Butter(smooth or crunchy, unsweetened)
- 400 g Tomatoes(crushed or diced)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 500 ml Chicken Broth
- 1 optional Scotch Bonnet Pepper(finely chopped, adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper(ground)
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Coriander
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, cumin, and coriander. Set aside.
💡 Tip: Allow chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes. - 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 3
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Add crushed tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 6
In a separate bowl, whisk the peanut butter with the chicken broth until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pot.
💡 Tip: Ensure the peanut butter is well combined with the broth to avoid lumps. - 7
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add the chopped scotch bonnet pepper if using.
💡 Tip: Handle scotch bonnet with care and wash hands thoroughly afterward. - 8
Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 9
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot.
💡 Tip: The stew should have a rich, savory, and slightly nutty flavor.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother sauce, you can blend the cooked tomatoes and onions before adding the peanut butter mixture.
- ✓If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water.
- ✓Serve with rice, couscous, or fufu for a complete meal.
🔄 Variations
- Add diced sweet potatoes or yams during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
- Incorporate a handful of chopped spinach or kale in the last 10 minutes for added greens.
- Use beef or lamb instead of chicken.