Muamba de Ginguba
A rich and flavorful peanut stew, often considered a national dish of Mozambique. It features chicken or other meats simmered in a sauce made from ground peanuts, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and palm oil (dendê).
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken(cut into pieces)
- 250 g Peanut butter(unsweetened, smooth)
- 400 g Tomatoes(crushed or pureed)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 4 tbsp Palm oil (dendê oil)
- 500 ml Water
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 optional Chili pepper(finely chopped, for heat)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the palm oil over medium heat and brown the chicken on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 2
Add chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and chopped chili pepper (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- 4
In a separate bowl, whisk the peanut butter with the water until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the pot, stirring continuously.
- 5
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 6
Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with rice or xima.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure you use unsweetened peanut butter for the best flavor.
- ✓Palm oil (dendê oil) is traditional and adds a distinct flavor and color. If unavailable, a neutral oil can be used, but the authentic taste will be altered.
- ✓The stew thickens as it cools, so adjust the consistency with a little more water if needed before serving.
🔄 Variations
- Beef or fish can be used instead of chicken.
- Add a bay leaf during the simmering process for extra aroma.