Poulet Moambé
Chicken Moambé
Poulet Moambé is the national dish of the Republic of the Congo, a rich and flavorful stew made with chicken simmered in a savory sauce of onions, garlic, palm nut butter (or peanut butter), tomatoes, and spices. It's known for its deep, earthy flavors and is often served with rice or fufu.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Chicken(cut into pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or a whole chicken quartered))
- 6 tbsp Red palm oil
- 2 medium Onions(diced)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 6 oz Tomato paste(can)
- 14.5 oz Diced tomatoes(can)
- 1 inch Ginger(grated)
- 1 tsp Red pepper flakes(or to taste)
- 1 cup Water
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 cup Natural peanut butter(unsweetened)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Heat the red palm oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over high heat until shimmering.
💡 Tip: Ensure the oil is hot enough to sear the chicken properly. - 2
Sear the chicken in batches until golden brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- 3
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the diced onions to the pot and sauté until golden brown, about 7-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- 4
Add the tomato paste and stir continuously, cooking until it darkens slightly, about 3 minutes. This step deepens the flavor.
- 5
Stir in the diced tomatoes, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, water, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
💡 Tip: Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference. - 6
Return the seared chicken pieces to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- 7
In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter with about 1-2 cups of the sauce from the pot until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the pot with the chicken.
💡 Tip: This helps to incorporate the peanut butter smoothly into the sauce. - 8
Simmer uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- 9
Serve hot, traditionally with fufu or steamed rice.
💡 Tip: Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Red palm oil is traditional and provides a unique flavor and color. If unavailable, you can substitute with a neutral oil and a pinch of paprika for color, though the flavor will differ.
- ✓Peanut butter is often used as a substitute for palm nut butter, especially outside of Africa. Ensure it's natural and unsweetened for the best flavor.
- ✓The slow simmering process is key to developing the rich flavors of the sauce.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or okra.
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a fresh chili pepper.