Poulet Moambe Gabonais
A rich and flavorful chicken stew made with palm nut concentrate (moambe), often served with fufu or rice. This version highlights the unique Gabonese preparation.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Chicken(cut into pieces)
- 500 ml Palm nut concentrate (Moambe)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch Ginger(grated)
- 400 g Tomatoes(crushed)
- 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper(finely chopped (optional, for heat))
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 200 ml Water
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat and brown the chicken on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 2
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and chopped scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down slightly.
- 4
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Pour in the palm nut concentrate and water. Stir well to combine.
- 5
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.
💡 Tip: The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor. - 6
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with fufu, rice, or plantains.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure you use good quality palm nut concentrate for the best flavor.
- ✓Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to your spice preference.
- ✓Moambe can be made from scratch by boiling and processing palm nuts, but concentrate is widely available.
🔄 Variations
- Add smoked fish or shrimp for an extra layer of flavor.
- Include chopped bell peppers or okra for added vegetables.