Sopi Kandja Poulet
A hearty and flavorful chicken and okra stew, offering a different take on traditional Senegalese okra dishes, with a rich, savory broth and tender chicken.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks)(bone-in, skin-on)
- 500 g Okra(trimmed and sliced)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 400 g Tomatoes(diced or crushed)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1 whole Scotch Bonnet Pepper(optional, for heat)
- 4 tbsp Peanut Butter (smooth)
- 50 ml Vegetable Oil
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 liter Chicken Broth or Water
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- for garnish Cilantro or Parsley
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Allow chicken to 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 until golden. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 3
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add the diced or crushed tomatoes and cook down for about 5-7 minutes.
- 5
In a separate bowl, whisk the peanut butter with a ladleful of the broth until smooth. Add this mixture to the pot along with the rest of the chicken broth or water.
💡 Tip: Whisking the peanut butter separately prevents lumps. - 6
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add the sliced okra and the whole Scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
- 7
Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for about 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through, and the okra has softened.
- 8
Remove the whole Scotch bonnet pepper before serving if you don't want it too spicy.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - 9
Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve hot, typically with rice or millet couscous.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓To reduce the sliminess of okra, you can lightly sauté it separately before adding it to the stew, or blanch it briefly.
- ✓Ensure the peanut butter is well incorporated to create a smooth, creamy broth.
- ✓If you don't have Scotch bonnet peppers, a habanero can be substituted, or omit for a milder dish.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add sweet potatoes or diced yams to the stew for extra heartiness.
- Use lamb or beef instead of chicken for a richer flavor.
- Incorporate dried fish or smoked fish for an added layer of umami.