Chicken-Peanut Stew From Ghana
A hearty Ghanaian chicken stew with rich peanut flavor, spiced with hot peppers and tomatoes, perfect for comforting meals and adaptable with added vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and garlic; cook until fragrant and translucent.
- Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and brown on all sides.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down, about 10 minutes.
- Mix in peanut butter until well combined with the tomato mixture.
- Add hot pepper to taste, then pour in enough stock or bouillon to cover the ingredients.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and flavors meld.
- Optional: add chopped carrots, zucchini, or squash during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in spices and lemon juice for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have peanut butter, tahini can be a suitable substitute. Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of red hot pepper. To enhance the stew’s texture, consider adding some chopped carrots or zucchini in the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken-Peanut Stew over a bed of rice, which complements the rich flavors beautifully. It pairs wonderfully with Edna Smythe's Cajun Rice or even a simple side of sautéed greens. For a complete meal, offer crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the stew thickens, you can add a splash of water or stock to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken-Peanut Stew From Ghana contains roughly 220 calories, with 4g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 800mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken for this stew?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used for quicker cooking. However, bone-in pieces enhance the flavor and richness of the stew. If you opt for boneless, reduce the cooking time to about 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
What can I serve with this stew?
This stew is best served over rice, but you can also enjoy it with boiled yams or plantains. For a refreshing contrast, serve a simple salad on the side. It also pairs well with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Can I make this stew in advance?
Absolutely! This stew actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it a day ahead, let it cool, then refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little water if necessary to maintain the desired consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).