Thiou Guinar
Senegalese Chicken Stew
Thiou Guinar is a flavorful and aromatic Senegalese chicken stew, characterized by its rich tomato-based sauce infused with a blend of spices. It's a comforting and hearty dish, often prepared with tender chicken pieces and a variety of vegetables, served alongside fluffy white rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Whole chicken(cut into 4 pieces)
- 4 medium Onions(chopped)
- 6 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 0.25 medium Green bell pepper(chopped)
- 1 medium Vegetarian pepper(chopped)
- 1 medium Scotch bonnet pepper(optional, for heat)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 2 medium Potatoes(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 1 medium Sweet potato(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 0.25 small head Cabbage(cut into large pieces)
- 1 medium Eggplant(cut into chunks)
- 3 tablespoons Curry powder
- 1 leaf Bay leaf
- 4 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1.5 liters Chicken broth
- Salt(to taste)
- Black pepper(to taste)
- 500 g White rice(for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Wash the chicken pieces. In a mortar and pestle or electric chopper, finely mince the garlic, green onion, bell pepper, and vegetarian pepper. Add salt and pepper to taste. Make incisions on each piece of chicken and generously rub the mixture all over the chicken.
💡 Tip: Marinating the chicken beforehand enhances the flavor. - 2
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- 3
In the same pot, add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Add the minced garlic, bell peppers, and vegetarian pepper mixture, and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
- 4
Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- 5
Stir in the curry powder and bay leaf. Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Add the carrots, potatoes, sweet potato, cabbage, and eggplant. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the ingredients are mostly submerged.
💡 Tip: You can add other vegetables like zucchini or okra as well. - 6
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally.
💡 Tip: If using Scotch bonnet, add it whole during this simmering stage for a mild heat, or finely chop it for more spice. - 7
Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes to thicken it.
- 8
While the stew is simmering, cook the white rice according to package instructions. Serve the Thiou Guinar hot over the cooked rice.
💡 Tip: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) before cooking.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili pepper to your spice preference.
- ✓Ensure vegetables are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like okra, zucchini, or green beans.
- For a spicier version, add more chili peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Some recipes include a touch of vinegar or lime juice towards the end of cooking for brightness.