| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 345 | 16g | 4g | 25g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 9g | 6g | 28g | 0.7g |
There’s a wholesome, distinct character to the African Chicken and Peanut Stew with Alligator Pepper that totally captivates my New Yorker spirit. This isn’t just another recipe – this is the personification of a lively, colourful community gathering in the form of a stew pot. As my spoon dips into the heart-warming depths of this dish, I’m reminded of the similar warm melting pot that is New York City. Yet this time, instead of the allure of a good burger or bagel, the rustic and invigorating flavours of Africa flirt with my tastebuds.
The Fusion of Flavours
This stew features a unique fusion of flavours, with the cosy, deep-rooted familiarity of chicken and the unexpected kick of alligator pepper. They all get together in a simmering dance, coalescing into something intensely savoury, rich, yet wholesomely comforting. It reminds me of the stage – the ebb and flow of characters, the unpredictable drama, and ultimately, the resolution into a beautiful narrative. The alligator pepper adds a surprising twist like an unexpected plot turn, while the chicken and peanut broth provides the steady beat of the story.
The Nutritional Performers
Every bite of this stew doesn’t just fuel my day, it packs a punch of nutrients that keep on giving. The mixture of chicken thighs is a powerhouse of protein, whilst the added greens like kale or collard greens are rich in vitamins A, C, and K. Not to forget the ginger root and turmeric, renowned for their powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Even the alligator pepper, a celebrated spice in African cuisine, provides medicinal value in addition to its unique taste.
The Culinary Camaraderie
Food isn’t merely about sustenance; it’s the stories we tell, the people we share it with, and the memories we create. With its similarity to the West African Peanut Soup and its great pairing possibilities with various flatbreads, this African Chicken and Peanut Stew brews a culinary camaraderie that transcends continents. It can be a soul-soothing comfort food, a crowd-pleasing party dish, or simply a weeknight dinner that reminds us of the big, beautiful world out there.
When enjoying this delightful stew, I can’t help but imagine the many hands that have for decades, if not millennia, stewed these ingredients, passed down this recipe, and gathered around to share this meal. It’s truly an honour to bring this slice of culinary heritage to my New York kitchen, and I hope the African Chicken and Peanut Stew with Alligator Pepper brings a dash of global flavour and a whole lot of joy to your table too.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of boneless and skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of grated ginger root
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup of peanut butter
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup of chopped collard greens or kale
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon of alligator pepper
- Salt to taste
Method
Step One
Start by seasoning the boneless, skinless chicken thighs with the alligator pepper and some salt. Set it aside to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Step Two
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger root. Stir well and sauté until the onion is tender and fragrant.
Step Three
Add the marinated chicken to the pot, and cook until it is browned on all sides. Then, remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step Four
In the same pot, add the diced tomatoes and diced sweet potato. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes have broken down a bit.
Step Five
Next, add the peanut butter to the pot, and stir well to mix it with the tomatoes and sweet potato. Then, gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Step Six
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add the chopped collard greens or kale, ground coriander, ground cumin, and ground turmeric. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the stew has thickened.
Step Seven
Finally, adjust the seasoning with more salt if necessary. Serve your African Chicken and Peanut Stew warm, with your choice of side. Enjoy your meal!
