Malian Chicken and Rice Domoda
A flavorful Malian one-pot dish featuring tender chicken and rice simmered in a rich, savory tomato and peanut sauce, often enhanced with vegetables.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken pieces(bone-in, skin-on thighs and drumsticks recommended)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 4 tbsp Tomato paste
- 400 g Canned crushed tomatoes
- 150 g Peanut butter(smooth or crunchy, unsweetened)
- 750 ml Chicken broth
- 300 g Long-grain rice(rinsed)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(chopped (any color))
- 2 medium Carrots(diced)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 small Optional: Chili pepper(finely chopped, for heat)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on all sides, then remove and set aside.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes - 2
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 7 minutes💡 Tip: Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. - 3
Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 4
Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes to deepen its flavor.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 5
Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Ensure the liquid is hot before adding. - 6
Whisk in the peanut butter until smooth. Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add diced carrots and bell pepper. If using, add the chopped chili pepper.
💡 Tip: Break up any clumps of peanut butter. - 7
Bring the sauce back to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to tenderize.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 8
Stir in the rinsed rice. Ensure the rice is submerged in the liquid. If needed, add a little more broth or water.
💡 Tip: The liquid level should be about 1-2 cm above the rice. - 9
Cover tightly and continue to simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Avoid stirring too much once the rice is added.
⏱️ 20 minutes💡 Tip: Let it rest for 5 minutes after cooking. - 10
Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot, ensuring each serving has chicken and vegetables.
💡 Tip: Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother sauce, you can blend the tomato and peanut butter mixture before adding the broth.
- ✓Adjust the amount of peanut butter to your preference.
- ✓Feel free to add other vegetables like sweet potatoes or okra.
- ✓Ensure the rice is fully submerged for even cooking.
🔄 Variations
- Use beef or lamb instead of chicken.
- Add a bay leaf to the simmering sauce for extra aroma.
- Serve with a side of fresh salad or a dollop of plain yogurt.