RecipesBeninPoulet à la Vielle

Poulet à la Vielle

A flavorful Beninese chicken stew, often prepared with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and a blend of aromatic spices, simmered to tender perfection.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Servings4
DifficultyMedium
Poulet à la Vielle - Benin traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 1 kg Chicken pieces(bone-in, skin-on)
  • 2 medium Onions(chopped)
  • 400 g Tomatoes(crushed or pureed)
  • 1 large Bell pepper(chopped)
  • 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
  • 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
  • 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper(finely chopped (or to taste))
  • 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
  • 250 ml Chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp Tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Thyme(dried)
  • 1 leaf Bay leaf
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper
  • for garnish Coriander leaves(chopped)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown chicken pieces on all sides, then remove and set aside.

  2. 2

    Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

  3. 3

    Stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped scotch bonnet pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Add tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.

  5. 5

    Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Add dried thyme and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.

  6. 6

    Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Ensure they are mostly submerged in the sauce. Cover and reduce heat to low.

  7. 7

    Simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and tender, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

  8. 8

    Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

💡 Pro Tips

  • For a richer flavor, you can marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before browning.
  • Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to your spice preference.
  • Serve with rice, fufu, or boiled plantains.

🔄 Variations

  • Add other vegetables like carrots or potatoes for a heartier stew.
  • A splash of lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors.

🏷️ Tags