Malawi Chicken Stew with Groundnuts (Nkhuku ndi Mtedza)
A hearty and flavorful chicken stew simmered in a rich peanut sauce, often served with nsima. This dish highlights the common use of groundnuts in Malawian cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Chicken(cut into pieces)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1 cup Groundnut Butter (Peanut Butter)(unsweetened)
- 4 cups Water
- 3 tbsp Cooking Oil
- to taste Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper(freshly ground)
- 1-2 Chili Peppers (optional)(finely chopped)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat cooking oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 2
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down, about 5-8 minutes.
- 5
Return the chicken to the pot. Add water, salt, pepper, and optional chili peppers. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 45 minutes, or until chicken is tender.
- 6
In a separate bowl, whisk the groundnut butter with about 1 cup of the hot liquid from the pot until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the stew.
- 7
Stir well to combine. Simmer uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- 8
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with nsima.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure you use unsweetened groundnut butter for the best flavor.
- ✓If the sauce is too thick, add a little more hot water.
- ✓For a spicier stew, add more chili peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
🔄 Variations
- Add diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash during the last 30 minutes of simmering.
- Incorporate leafy greens like spinach or kale in the last 10 minutes of cooking.