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To make this savory African peanut chicken stew, you will need: - 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, including their juice - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup creamy peanut butter - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1 tablespoon curry powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: 1 cup baby spinach or kale, roughly chopped - For garnish: Chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro Start by gathering all your fresh ingredients. Chop the onion finely, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. Dice the red bell pepper into small pieces. This prep work ensures even cooking and flavor blending. Make sure to cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, so they cook evenly and mix well with the other flavors. If you lack some ingredients, don't worry! Here are a few easy swaps: - Instead of chicken thighs, use chicken breast or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. - If you don’t have red bell pepper, any color bell pepper will work. - For a different flavor, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. - If you need a nut-free option, try sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter. - You can skip the spinach or kale if you prefer a simpler stew. These substitutions keep the dish tasty while catering to your kitchen needs. {{ingredient_image_2}} Gather all your ingredients first. You will need: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, including their juice - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup creamy peanut butter - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1 tablespoon curry powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: 1 cup baby spinach or kale, roughly chopped - For garnish: Chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro Chop the onion, garlic, ginger, and red bell pepper. Cut the chicken into small pieces. This helps them cook evenly. 1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it shimmers, add the onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion turns soft and fragrant. 2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir for 1-2 minutes until you smell the aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic. 3. Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, curry powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken is brown on all sides. 4. Add the diced red bell pepper and sauté for 3 more minutes. This helps blend the flavors. 5. Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir well and let it come to a gentle simmer. 6. Gradually add the creamy peanut butter. Keep stirring until it mixes well into the stew. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. 7. If using, add the chopped spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This keeps the greens bright and fresh. 8. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed. To serve, ladle the stew into deep bowls. Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro on top for a nice finish. This stew goes great with fluffy rice or warm flatbread. Enjoy your meal! To make a great African peanut chicken stew, the cooking method matters. Start by heating the oil in a large pot. Once it shimmers, add the onion. Sauté it until it turns clear and fragrant. This step brings out the sweet flavors in the onion. Next, add the garlic and ginger. Stir them in quickly so they do not burn. The chicken thighs should go in next. Cook them until they are brown on all sides. This browning adds depth to your stew. Always remember to mix in your spices with the chicken. This ensures the flavors blend well. Lastly, let the stew simmer slowly. This gives all the ingredients time to marry together, creating a rich and savory taste. To boost the flavors in your stew, consider a few simple tricks. First, use fresh spices whenever possible. They pack more flavor than old ones. Also, adding a touch of acidity can brighten the dish. A squeeze of lemon or lime juice just before serving works wonders. If you want more depth, try adding a bit of brown sugar. This balances the richness of the peanut butter. You can also fold in chopped greens like spinach or kale towards the end. They add color and nutrition without overpowering the dish. Presentation makes a difference in how a dish is enjoyed. Serve the stew in deep bowls to showcase its rich color. Top each bowl with chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro for a nice crunch and aroma. This dish pairs perfectly with fluffy rice or warm flatbread. These sides soak up the delicious sauce and complement the stew's flavors. Enjoying this meal with family or friends makes it even better! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic, ginger, and spices to enhance the flavor profile of your stew. Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in taste. Adjust Spice Levels: Tailor the heat of the stew by adjusting the amount of curry powder and smoked paprika according to your preference. Start with less and add more as needed. Texture Variation: For a heartier stew, consider adding chopped sweet potatoes or carrots along with the bell pepper. This adds both texture and a hint of sweetness. Garnish Wisely: Elevate the presentation by garnishing with not only chopped roasted peanuts and cilantro but also a squeeze of lime juice for a refreshing finish. {{image_4}} To make a vegetarian version of African Peanut Chicken Stew, swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu. Chickpeas add a nice texture and protein. Tofu absorbs the rich flavors in the stew. Use the same spices and add extra veggies like carrots or sweet potatoes for more taste. This way, you keep the heartiness while making it plant-based. If you love heat, add sliced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Stir these in when you sauté the onions. You can also serve the stew with hot sauce on the side. This will let each person control their spice level. The heat pairs well with the creamy peanut butter, creating a delightful contrast. Feel free to get creative with your ingredients. You can add a cup of diced butternut squash for sweetness. Consider using coconut milk instead of chicken broth for a creamy twist. If you want a tangy kick, a splash of lime juice works wonders. Chopped greens like spinach or kale not only boost nutrition but also add color. Customize this stew to fit your taste and pantry! After enjoying your savory African peanut chicken stew, let it cool to room temp. Once cooled, pour it into a clean, airtight container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. Store your stew in the fridge for up to four days. This keeps the flavors fresh and ready for your next meal. You can also freeze the stew for later use. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date. The stew can last in the freezer for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy this dish any time you want! When you’re ready to eat the stew, take it out of the fridge or freezer. If it’s frozen, let it defrost in the fridge overnight. To reheat, pour the stew into a pot over medium heat. Stir it occasionally until it is warmed through. If it seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. For a quick option, use the microwave. Heat it in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot. Enjoy your meal! African Peanut Chicken Stew comes from West Africa. This dish reflects the rich flavors of the region. Peanuts are a staple here, often used in many meals. They add creaminess and depth to the stew. The blend of spices, like curry and cumin, brings warmth and color. Each family may have their own twist, making it unique. This stew shows how local ingredients create something truly special. Yes, you can make this dish in advance. It tastes even better the next day! The flavors mingle and deepen when it sits. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when ready to eat. If you want to make it even easier, you can prepare the ingredients a day ahead. Chop the veggies and measure the spices to save time. To adjust the spice level, start with less curry powder. You can always add more later. If you like it spicy, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. For a milder taste, skip the spices or use sweet paprika. Remember to taste as you cook. This way, you’ll find the perfect balance for your palate. This blog post covered how to make African Peanut Chicken Stew. We shared a list of fresh ingredients and how to prepare them. You learned cooking steps, tips for the best flavor, and serving ideas. We explored variations, like vegetarian and spicy options. Finally, we discussed storage tips and answered common questions. Enjoy making this stew your own and share it with loved ones.

African Peanut Chicken Stew

A hearty and flavorful stew featuring chicken, peanut butter, and spices, perfect for a comforting meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine African
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, including their juice
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup baby spinach or kale, roughly chopped (optional)
  • for garnish chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  • Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes until aromatic, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn.
  • Introduce the bite-sized chicken thighs to the pot, seasoning them with salt, pepper, curry powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides.
  • Incorporate the diced red bell pepper and continue to sauté for an extra 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (along with their juice) and chicken broth. Stir the mixture until well combined, then bring it to a gentle simmer.
  • Gradually add the creamy peanut butter, stirring continuously until it is fully incorporated into the stew. Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • If using, fold in the roughly chopped spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking to retain its vibrant color and nutritional value.
  • Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice or warm flatbread.
Keyword chicken, comfort food, peanut butter, stew