West African peanut stew with chicken

West African Peanut Stew With Chicken. Photo by Jennifer Chase for The Washington Post.

West African Peanut Stew With Chicken. Photo by Jennifer Chase for The Washington Post.

Published Feb 20, 2018

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6 servings (makes about 11 1/2 cups)

Ingredients

680 g boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, trimmed and cut into 2,5cm pieces

1 teaspoon course salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3 tablespoons peanut oil

1 large onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

6.5cm to 7cm piece peeled fresh ginger root, minced (2 tablespoons)

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

4 cups chicken broth

One can diced tomatoes, with juices

1 medium sweet potato (340 g), peeled and cut into 2.5cm chunks

1/2 bunch collard greens (spinach) - tough ribs discarded, leaves chopped (about 3 cups total)

2 medium red bell peppers, seeded and chopped

1/3 cup natural-style peanut butter (smooth or chunky)

6 tablespoons chopped roasted unsalted peanuts, for garnish

Method

Season the chicken with 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and the black pepper. 

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a Dutch oven or other large heavy pot over medium-high heat. 

Once the oil shimmers, add half the chicken and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, until it loses its raw look and is lightly browned in spots, then transfer to a plate. 

Repeat with another tablespoon of the oil and the remaining chicken, transferring the meat to the plate as well.

Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pot; reduce the heat to medium. 

Add the onion and cook for about 3 minutes, until softened. 

Add the garlic, ginger, coriander, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon and the remaining 3/4 teaspoon of salt; cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.

Stir in the broth, tomatoes and their juices, the sweet potato, collard greens and red bell peppers; once the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, partially cover and cook for about 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

Return the chicken with any accumulated juices to the pot. 

Increase the heat to medium; once the mixture starts to boil, stir in the peanut butter until well incorporated; cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly done.

Serve warm, topped with the chopped peanuts.

From nutritionist and cookbook author Ellie Krieger.

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