Zimbabwean Cranberry and Peanut Chicken Stew
A flavorful and hearty chicken stew that balances the savory notes of peanut butter with the tartness of cranberries, creating a unique Zimbabwean culinary experience.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken thighs(bone-in, skin-on, cut into pieces)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tbsp Ginger(grated fresh)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned, diced)
- 500 ml Chicken broth
- 150 g Peanut butter(smooth or crunchy)
- 100 g Dried cranberries
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Coriander
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- a handful Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- 2
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the diced tomatoes, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Cook for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- 4
Return the chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.
- 5
In a small bowl, whisk the peanut butter with a ladleful of the hot broth until smooth. Stir this mixture back into the stew. Add the dried cranberries.
- 6
Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 7
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. This stew is traditionally served with sadza (a stiff maize porridge).
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the peanut butter is well-whisked with broth to prevent lumps.
- ✓Adjust the amount of cranberries to your preference for tartness.
- ✓For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili powder or a chopped fresh chili with the onions.
🔄 Variations
- Add diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash along with the tomatoes for extra vegetables.
- Use chicken breast instead of thighs, but reduce cooking time to prevent drying out.
- Incorporate a tablespoon of lemon juice at the end for added brightness.