Sopi Bouye (Baobab Fruit Chicken)
A unique and flavorful chicken stew where the tangy and slightly sweet pulp of the baobab fruit is used to tenderize and flavor the chicken, creating a distinctive Senegalese dish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Whole chicken(cut into pieces)
- 100 g Baobab fruit pulp(dried, rehydrated in water and strained)
- 2 large Onions(sliced)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger(grated)
- 200 g Tomatoes(pureed)
- 200 g Okra(trimmed and sliced)
- 2 medium Sweet potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 500 ml Vegetable broth
- 3 tablespoons Peanut oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 1 optional Chili pepper(whole, for heat)
- 0.25 cup Cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with baobab pulp, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- 2
Heat peanut oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken pieces until lightly browned on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 3
Add sliced onions to the pot and cook until softened and lightly golden, about 7-10 minutes.
- 4
Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the pureed tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5
Return the chicken to the pot. Add the vegetable broth, cubed sweet potatoes, and the whole chili pepper (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.
- 6
Add the sliced okra to the pot. Stir gently, cover, and continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the okra is tender.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Remove the whole chili pepper before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro.
💡 Tip: Serve hot with rice or millet.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the baobab pulp is well-strained to avoid fibrous bits.
- ✓The baobab fruit provides a unique tanginess; adjust to your taste.
- ✓Don't overcook the okra to prevent it from becoming too mushy.
🔄 Variations
- Use fish instead of chicken.
- Add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
- For a spicier dish, add more chili peppers or a pinch of cayenne.