| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 45 mins – 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 425 | 20g | 5g | 43g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 20g | 8g | 30g | 1.2g |
One dish that never fails to make an impression is my Spicy Locust Beans and Chicken Stew. This savory, fruit-based stew, with its burst of flavors and delectable textures, is as comforting as an American classic, yet it brings to the table an unexpected and delightful twist. Reminiscent of the warm and sunny Californian valleys I grew up in, this stew embodies an exciting fusion of heritage and health.
Nutritional Nugget and Health Perks
As sensational as the Spicy Locust Beans and Chicken Stew tastes, it’s tantamount health benefits are hard to ignore. Every ingredient harmoniously contributes to your well-being. For instance, locust beans are rich in proteins and lipids that contribute to maintain a healthy body. Furthermore, the bounty of fruits—apples, bananas, and oranges—not only enriches the stew with a pleasant zest but also infuses it with essential vitamins and antioxidants. Chilies too have their share of fortune to shower, aiding digestion and strengthening immune system with their capsaicin content. [source]
Complementing and Pairing
This robust stew, brimming with a tantalizing amalgamation of heat, sweetness, and tang, has proven to be a sublime match to a plethora of dishes. Whether it be a warm, crusty bread to seep up the rich, flavorful gravy or a fresh, crisp salad to balance out the heat, this stew brings out the best in everything it pairs with. If you are a wine enthusiast, a glass of full-bodied Californian red wine can be a delightful companion to this vivacious stew, enhancing the dining experience. [wine pairing tips]
In my culinary journey, I have always believed in creating meals that are just as heartwarming to eat as they are health-fortifying. This Spicy Locust Beans and Chicken Stew is a delightful testament to that belief. While not traditionally familiar, this unique recipe calls out to the adventurous food-lovers who get a thrill trying out distinct, tasteful dishes– dishes that comfort, nourish and excite, all at once. Give this stew a chance and endow your dinner table with a dish that’s rich in both, flavor and story.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of locust beans
- 1.5 lb of chicken pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 red bell peppers, chopped
- 2 green bell peppers, chopped
- 4 plum tomatoes, diced
- 2 Scotch bonnet peppers, seeded and minced
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1/4 cup of palm oil
- Salt to taste
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 2 apples, diced
- 2 oranges, segmented
- Handful of chopped parsley for garnish
Method
Step One
Begin by prepping your ingredients. Chop your onion, bell peppers, and tomatoes, mince your garlic and Scotch bonnet peppers, and slice your bananas. Dice your apples, segment your oranges, and chop your parsley for garnish. Set these aside for later.
Step Two
Heat the palm oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and sear until they are browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step Three
In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté until they are soft and the onion is translucent. Add the Scotch bonnet peppers and cook for an additional minute.
Step Four
Add the locust beans to the pot along with the chili powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, and ground black pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the beans are slightly soft.
Step Five
Add the diced tomatoes to the pot, along with the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to a simmer. Add the chicken pieces back to the pot and simmer the stew for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the beans are tender.
Step Six
While the stew is simmering, prepare your fruit by combining the sliced bananas, diced apples, and segmented oranges in a bowl. Set this aside to serve alongside the stew.
Step Seven
Once the stew is done, adjust the seasoning with salt to taste. Serve the stew hot, garnished with the chopped parsley and accompanied by the mixed fruit on the side. Enjoy your Spicy Locust Beans and Chicken Stew!
