Domoda Stew
A rich and flavorful groundnut-based stew, often made with chicken or beef, vegetables like tomatoes and onions, and a touch of tamarind for tanginess. It's a comforting and widely loved dish in Sierra Leone.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Chicken or Beef(cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 250 ml Peanut Butter(smooth, unsweetened)
- 400 g Tomatoes(chopped, or 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 2 tbsp Tamarind Paste(or to taste)
- 1 small Scotch Bonnet Pepper(finely chopped, optional for heat)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 500 ml Water or Broth(or as needed)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the chicken or beef pieces on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- 2
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add chopped tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes) and the optional scotch bonnet pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.
- 5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter with a little warm water or broth until smooth. This prevents clumping.
- 6
Return the browned meat to the pot. Add the dissolved peanut butter mixture, tamarind paste, and enough water or broth to cover the ingredients. Stir well to combine.
- 7
Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 8
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot with rice or fufu.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using unsweetened, natural peanut butter is key for the best flavor.
- ✓The tamarind paste adds a crucial tanginess; adjust to your preference.
- ✓If the stew becomes too thick, add more water or broth.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a bay leaf during simmering.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add chopped okra or spinach towards the end of cooking for added vegetables.
- Use fish or a mix of vegetables instead of meat.
- A pinch of cayenne pepper can be used if scotch bonnets are unavailable.