Chicken and Okra Stew with Tomatoes
A flavorful and comforting stew that combines tender chicken with the unique texture of okra and the sweetness of tomatoes. This dish highlights the use of fresh ingredients and aromatic spices common in Mauritanian cooking.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken thighs(cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 lb Fresh okra(trimmed and sliced into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced tomatoes(undrained)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 cup Chicken broth(low sodium)
- 1 tsp Ground coriander
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper(or to taste)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides. Season with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Don't worry about cooking the chicken through at this stage. - 4
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, chicken broth, ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine.
💡 Tip: Ensure the tomato paste is well incorporated. - 5
Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- 6
Add the sliced okra to the pot. Stir gently, cover, and continue to cook for another 20-25 minutes, or until the okra is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
💡 Tip: Avoid over-stirring the okra to prevent it from becoming too mushy. - 7
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
💡 Tip: Serve hot with rice, couscous, or crusty bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓To minimize sliminess, you can soak the okra in a vinegar-water solution for 30 minutes before slicing and adding to the stew.
- ✓Using chicken thighs ensures a more tender and flavorful stew.
- ✓Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred level of heat.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a can of drained chickpeas for extra protein and texture.
- Include other vegetables like bell peppers or potatoes.
- For a richer sauce, stir in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of cream at the end.