Huku ne Dovi (Chicken Stew with Peanut Butter)
A rich and flavorful Zimbabwean chicken stew where chicken is simmered in a creamy peanut butter sauce, often with tomatoes and spices. This dish is a staple, offering a comforting and hearty meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Chicken pieces (bone-in or boneless)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tbsp Ginger(grated)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned chopped or fresh, pureed)
- 1 cup Smooth peanut butter
- 3 cups Chicken stock or water
- 3 tbsp Cooking oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 tsp Optional spices(e.g., curry powder, cumin, coriander, chili flakes)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- 2
In the same pot, add the chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 3
Add the chopped tomatoes (or puree) to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they break down into a sauce. If using optional spices, add them now and stir for 1 minute.
- 4
In a separate bowl, whisk the peanut butter with about 1 cup of the chicken stock or water until smooth. This prevents lumps.
- 5
Pour the peanut butter mixture into the pot with the onions and tomatoes. Add the remaining chicken stock or water and stir well to combine.
- 6
Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the stew is too thick, add a little more stock or water. If it's too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use bone-in chicken pieces.
- ✓If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can strain the tomato mixture before adding the peanut butter.
- ✓This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
🔄 Variations
- Add chopped sweet potatoes or carrots along with the chicken for a heartier stew.
- Include a bay leaf during simmering for added aroma.