Groundnut (Peanut) Sauce
A rich, savory peanut sauce with tender chicken, tomatoes, and spices, perfect for serving over rice, yams, or fufu, offering comforting, bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover chicken with water in a saucepan and gently boil with salt and chopped onion; cook until chicken is tender.
- Mix peanut butter with water until a thin paste is formed.
- Add the peanut butter paste to the chicken and broth.
- Stir constantly and gently to combine.
- Add chopped fresh tomatoes and chili powder to the chicken mixture.
- Cook gently for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot over rice, yam, or fufu.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother sauce, blend the peanut butter with a bit of the chicken broth before adding it in. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the chili powder or add fresh chilies. You can substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option or use other chicken recipes for inspiration. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Groundnut Sauce hot over a bed of rice, yam, or fufu for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or a simple salad for added freshness. Consider serving it alongside a side of Onions With Sage to complement the dish's rich flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to loosen the sauce, and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir well to ensure even heating, as this sauce can thicken when cooled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Groundnut (Peanut) Sauce contains roughly 490 calories, with 17g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1220mg per serving (53% 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 crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture. Just keep in mind that it may alter the smoothness of the sauce, but it will still be delicious.
What can I substitute for fresh tomatoes?
If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use canned diced tomatoes or tomato paste. Just adjust the quantity accordingly to maintain the right consistency and flavor.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Cook the tofu or tempeh in a similar broth to infuse flavor before adding the peanut sauce.
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).