Huku ne Dovi (Zimbabwean Peanut Chicken Stew)
A rich and comforting Zimbabwean stew featuring tender chicken simmered in a creamy peanut butter sauce, infused with aromatic spices and vegetables. This dish is a staple in many households, often served during special occasions and family gatherings.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Chicken pieces(bone-in, skin-on thighs and drumsticks recommended)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 medium Onions(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tbsp Ginger(freshly grated)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned diced, undrained)
- 3 cups Chicken broth
- 1 cup Peanut butter(natural, creamy or crunchy)
- 1 tsp Ground coriander
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 0.5 tsp Cayenne pepper(or to taste)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 cups Optional: Spinach or kale(fresh, roughly chopped)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Brown the chicken on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
- 2
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the ground coriander, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 4
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and chicken broth to the pot. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a simmer.
- 5
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is almost tender.
- 6
In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter with about 1/2 cup of the hot broth from the pot until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the pot and stir well to combine.
- 7
Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is very tender. If adding spinach or kale, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking until wilted.
- 8
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, traditionally with sadza (maize porridge) or rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can brown the chicken skin-on and remove it before serving if desired.
- ✓Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred level of heat.
- ✓If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water.
- ✓Natural peanut butter can sometimes separate; whisking it with some warm broth before adding it to the stew helps ensure a smooth sauce.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers along with the onions.
- For a spicier version, add a fresh chili pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Serve with rice or a side of steamed greens like collard greens.