Ugandan Chicken and Peanut Stew
A rich and creamy stew featuring tender chicken simmered in a flavorful peanut sauce, infused with aromatic spices and vegetables. This dish is a beloved classic in Ugandan cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken(bone-in, cut into pieces)
- 0.75 cup Peanut Butter(natural, unsweetened)
- 2 medium Onions(1 chopped, 1 sliced)
- 4 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1 medium Green Bell Pepper(chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
- 2 cups Chicken Stock
- 1 tablespoon Curry Powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper(freshly ground)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper and brown them on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 2
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the chopped tomatoes, green bell pepper, curry powder, and turmeric. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have softened.
- 4
Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Stir in the peanut butter until it's well combined and the sauce is smooth. Return the browned chicken to the pot.
- 5
Bring the stew back to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 6
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the stew is too thick, add a little more chicken stock or water.
- 7
Serve hot, typically with rice, ugali, or matoke.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother sauce, you can blend the tomatoes, onions, garlic, and ginger before adding them to the pot.
- ✓If you prefer a spicier stew, add a finely chopped chili pepper along with the tomatoes.
- ✓Roasting the peanuts before grinding them into a paste can add an extra layer of flavor, though using peanut butter is a convenient shortcut.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or spinach.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable stock. Add firm tofu or chickpeas for protein.