Poulet à la Banane Plantain
A delightful Ivorian dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a savory sauce with sweet plantains, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken thighs(bone-in, skin-on, cut into pieces)
- 3 medium Ripe plantains(peeled and cut into thick rounds)
- 2 large Onions(1 finely chopped, 1 sliced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(crushed or pureed)
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 4 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 500 ml Chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 tsp Thyme(dried)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/4 tsp Cinnamon (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 3
Add the remaining 2 tbsp of oil to the pot. Add the sliced onions and sauté until softened and lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- 4
Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- 6
Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, and optional cinnamon. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- 7
Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is almost cooked through.
- 8
Add the plantain rounds to the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Cover and continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the plantains are tender and cooked through, and the chicken is fully cooked.
- 9
Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, with the plantains and chicken in a rich sauce.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use ripe plantains (yellow with black spots) for sweetness.
- ✓Don't stir too vigorously once the plantains are added to prevent them from breaking apart.
- ✓This dish pairs well with rice or couscous.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or okra.
- For a spicier dish, add a small chopped chili pepper with the garlic and ginger.
- Use chicken breast, but adjust cooking time to avoid drying out.