Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of West Africa! This Peanut Chicken Stew, known locally as Plasas, is not just a meal - it's a rich, creamy, and utterly transformative culinary experience that combines the bold warmth of African spices with the luxurious creaminess of peanut butter. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that's both exotic and comforting, promising to become an instant favorite in your recipe collection.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: West African
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Start by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. Set these aside.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot. Stir and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Next, add the chicken thighs to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is browned on all sides.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes along with their juices. Stir to combine with the chicken and aromatics.
- Add the chicken broth to the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the peanut butter until it is fully incorporated into the stew. This will add a rich creaminess to the dish.
- Continue to simmer the stew for an additional 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chicken should be cooked through and tender, and the flavors will deepen.
- Once cooked, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the stew hot, garnished with chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. It pairs wonderfully with rice or flatbread.
Tips
- Choose the right chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best for this recipe as they remain tender and juicy during slow cooking.
- Toast your spices: For an extra depth of flavor, lightly toast your ginger and garlic in the oil before adding other ingredients.
- Peanut butter matters: Use natural, unsweetened peanut butter for the most authentic and rich flavor profile.
- Simmer slowly: The key to a great stew is low and slow cooking, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Adjust consistency: If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more chicken broth. If too thin, let it simmer uncovered to reduce.
- Garnish generously: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy stew.
- Make ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 120mg
