Poulet à la Noix de Palme
A rich and flavorful chicken stew made with palm nut cream, a staple in Beninese cuisine. This dish is known for its deep, savory taste and aromatic spices.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Whole chicken(cut into pieces)
- 800 ml Palm nut cream(fresh or canned)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 400 g Tomatoes(crushed or pureed)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper(finely chopped, seeds removed for less heat)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp Crayfish(ground (optional))
- 1 tsp Thyme(dried)
- 1 leaf Bay leaf
- Salt(to taste)
- Black pepper(to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and half of the minced garlic and ginger. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- 2
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- 3
Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the remaining garlic and ginger, and the chopped scotch bonnet pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, ground crayfish (if using), thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomato mixture has thickened slightly.
- 5
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Pour in the palm nut cream. Add enough water to just cover the chicken (about 1-2 cups, depending on desired consistency).
- 6
Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 7
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother sauce, you can strain the palm nut cream before adding it to the stew.
- ✓Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to your spice preference.
- ✓This dish pairs well with boiled yams, rice, or fufu.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and texture.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a smoked fish or some dried shrimp.