Poulet à la Moambe
A rich and flavorful chicken stew made with palm nut concentrate (moambe), onions, garlic, and spices. It's a celebratory dish often served with rice or fufu.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Whole chicken(cut into pieces)
- 400 g Palm nut concentrate (Moambe)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 6 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tbsp Ginger(grated)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 whole Scotch bonnet pepper(pierced (optional, for heat))
- 500 ml Chicken stock or water
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(or to taste)
- 2 Bay leaves
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes. - 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides in batches. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 3
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- 5
Add the palm nut concentrate (moambe) to the pot and stir well to combine with the onion mixture.
💡 Tip: Ensure the moambe is well incorporated. - 6
Pour in the chicken stock or water, add the bay leaves, and the pierced scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: The liquid should just about cover the ingredients. - 7
Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Cover and simmer on low heat for at least 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more liquid if the stew becomes too thick. - 8
Remove the bay leaves and scotch bonnet pepper before serving. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust for saltiness and spice. - 9
Serve hot with steamed rice, fufu, or boiled yams.
💡 Tip: Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Palm nut concentrate can be found in African or international food stores.
- ✓Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to your spice preference.
- ✓For a richer flavor, use bone-in chicken pieces.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like okra or sweet potatoes.
- Use beef or goat meat instead of chicken.