Sierra Leone Peanut Butter Chicken Stew Recipe

Sierra Leonean Peanut Butter Chicken Stew

Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant heart of West Africa with a dish that embodies the rich, earthy flavors of Sierra Leonean cuisine. This Peanut Butter Chicken Stew, an omnivore’s delight, combines tender chicken with a luxurious peanut butter sauce, blended with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes. As it simmers to perfection, the aromas of tomatoes, onions, and garlic mingle with the warm notes of West African spices, creating a dish that’s as comforting as it is exotic. This is a sumptuous, heartwarming meal that’s certain to captivate your taste buds and elevate your dining experience.

Serves: 2, Difficulty: Expert

Preparation Time: 20 minutes, Cooking Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 400 grams chicken, boneless
• 100 grams ground peanuts (peanut butter)
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 300 grams sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons palm oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 100 grams brown rice

Method

• Heat the palm oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
• Introduce the chicken pieces, searing until lightly browned on all sides.
• Incorporate the chopped tomatoes, cubed sweet potatoes, salt, black pepper, thyme, cumin, and chili powder. Stir to combine.
• Add the ground peanuts (peanut butter) and 500 ml of water. Stir until the peanut butter is fully integrated.
• Cover and let the mixture simmer over low heat for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the sweet potatoes are soft.
• In the meantime, cook the brown rice as per the package instructions.
• Adjust spice levels and salt as needed, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors.
• Serve the stew hot over a bed of brown rice, garnished with a sprig of thyme or a touch of chili powder for a vibrant finish.

Tips

• For an added depth of flavor, let the stew rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Adjust the chili powder to your desired heat level to suit your taste.
• For a creamier consistency, blend a portion of the stew and stir it back in.

Nutritional Information