Muamba de Galinha com Quiabo
A rich and flavorful Angolan chicken stew, Muamba de Galinha, is a national dish made with chicken, red palm oil (dendê), garlic, okra, and sometimes butternut squash. It's known for its distinctive red color and savory taste, often served with funge or rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Chicken thighs(cut into pieces)
- 0.5 cup Red palm oil (dendê)
- 0.25 cup Canola oil
- 2 large Onions(sliced)
- 8 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 3 large Tomatoes(diced)
- 1 pound Okra(sliced)
- 200 g Butternut squash(cubed (optional))
- 0.5 cup Lemon juice
- 1.5 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp White pepper
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp Chicken bouillon powder
- 1 whole Scotch bonnet pepper(pierced (optional, for heat))
- 2 cups Chicken broth or water
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Marinate the chicken pieces with lemon juice, salt, white pepper, smoked paprika, and chicken bouillon powder for at least 30 minutes.
- 2
Heat canola oil and red palm oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken pieces until browned on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 3
Add sliced onions to the pot and sauté until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook until they begin to break down. If using, add the butternut squash.
- 5
Return the chicken to the pot. Add chicken broth or water, and the pierced scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the chicken is tender.
- 6
Add the sliced okra to the pot. Stir and continue to simmer, uncovered, until the okra is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- 7
Remove the scotch bonnet pepper before serving. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with funge or rice.
💡 Tip: Funge is a traditional Angolan porridge made from cornmeal or cassava flour.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Red palm oil is crucial for the authentic flavor and color of Muamba de Galinha.
- ✓Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to your spice preference.
- ✓If you can't find red palm oil, some recipes suggest using a mix of vegetable oil and tomato paste, but the flavor will differ.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes include other vegetables like eggplant or sweet potato leaves.
- Can be made with other cuts of chicken or even other meats.