Djerma Stew
Djerma stew, often considered Niger's national dish, is a rich and flavorful chicken and peanut butter stew. It combines tender chicken with a savory sauce, creating a comforting and hearty meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken thighs(boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 large Onion(blended with tomato and garlic)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(blended with onion and garlic)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(blended with tomato and onion)
- 1 tbsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Curry powder
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 tbsp Chicken stock powder(or bouillon)
- 2 cups Water
- 3 tbsp Parsley(chopped)
- 2 cups Carrots(sliced)
- 2 scallions Chives(sliced)
- 2.5 tbsp Peanut butter(creamy, unsweetened)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 2
In a blender, combine tomato, onion, and garlic. Blend until smooth. Pour the puree into the pot with the remaining oil. Add smoked paprika, curry powder, bay leaf, and chicken stock powder. Cook for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
- 3
Return the chicken to the pot. Add water, chopped parsley, and sliced carrots. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and carrots are tender.
- 4
In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter with about 1/4 cup of the hot stew liquid until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the pot and stir well to combine.
- 5
Add sliced chives and simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the stew to thicken. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and brown them well.
- ✓If you don't have fresh tomatoes, you can use a 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes, drained.
- ✓Adjust the amount of peanut butter to your preference for creaminess.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or sweet potatoes.
- For a spicier stew, add a chopped Scotch bonnet or habanero pepper along with the tomato mixture.