Poulet Nyembwe
A rich and flavorful chicken dish cooked in a savory sauce made from palm nut puree, onions, tomatoes, and spices. It's often considered a national dish in neighboring Gabon and is also enjoyed in the Republic of the Congo.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Chicken(cut into pieces)
- 2 tbsp Red palm oil
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 1 or to taste Scotch bonnet peppers(chopped (optional, for heat))
- 400 ml Palm nut sauce (or puree)(canned or homemade)
- 1 cup Water
- Salt(to taste)
- Black pepper(to taste)
- 1 Bouillon cube(crumbled (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
- 2
Heat the red palm oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 3
Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Add the minced garlic and chopped scotch bonnet peppers (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they begin to break down, about 5 minutes.
- 6
Add the palm nut sauce, water, and crumbled bouillon cube (if using). Stir well to combine.
- 7
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- 8
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- 9
Serve hot with rice or fufu.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can use smoked chicken.
- ✓If fresh palm nuts are available, they can be boiled, mashed, and strained to create a homemade palm nut puree.
- ✓Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to your spice preference.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add okra or other leafy greens like spinach towards the end of cooking.
- Some recipes include a tablespoon of mustard for added depth of flavor.