RecipesZambiaZambian Chicken Peanut Stew

Zambian Chicken Peanut Stew

A rich and savory chicken stew simmered in a flavorful peanut butter sauce, a comforting and classic Zambian dish.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Servings4
DifficultyMedium
Zambian Chicken Peanut Stew - Zambia traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 1 whole (about 3-4 lbs) Chicken(cut into pieces)
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
  • 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
  • 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
  • 1 tbsp Ginger(fresh, grated)
  • 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Dried red chili flakes(adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp Ground coriander
  • 1 tsp Ground cumin
  • 0.5 tsp Turmeric powder
  • Salt(to taste)
  • 4 cups Water
  • 0.5 cup Unsalted peanut butter

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Rinse the chicken pieces and pat them dry.

  2. 2

    Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.

  3. 3

    In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and golden brown. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down and form a thick sauce, about 5 minutes.

  5. 5

    Add paprika, dried chili flakes, ground coriander, ground cumin, and turmeric powder. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute to release the spices' aroma.

  6. 6

    Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot and stir to coat them with the spice mixture.

  7. 7

    Pour in 4 cups of water and bring the stew to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  8. 8

    In a small bowl, whisk the peanut butter with a little warm water to create a smooth paste. Add this peanut butter paste to the stew and stir well to combine.

  9. 9

    Continue to simmer the stew, uncovered, for another 15 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened. Season with salt to taste.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Using bone-in, skin-on chicken adds more flavor to the stew.
  • Ensure you use unsalted peanut butter to control the saltiness of the dish.
  • You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.

🔄 Variations

  • For a spicier stew, increase the amount of dried red chili flakes.
  • Some recipes include a tablespoon of tomato paste for added depth of flavor.

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