Grilled Chicken with Fermented Sweet Potatoes and Peanut Sauce

This flavorful dish draws inspiration from the traditional West African groundnut stew, where groundnut refers to peanuts. The concept was introduced to the creators by a neighbor who had served in the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone. While the traditional stew typically combines sweet potatoes, chicken, and peanut butter, this recipe offers a fermented twist on the flavors.

What makes this dish particularly convenient is that the fermented ingredients are prepared in advance. Grilled chicken is served over a bed of rice, topped with fermented sweet potatoes, and accompanied by a luscious peanut sauce. For a vegan version, the chicken can be omitted while still preserving the delicious flavors.

Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS:

PEANUT SAUCE:

• ½ cup peanut butter
• ¾ cup vegetable or chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon Garlic Paste or 1 clove garlic, minced

OTHER INGREDIENTS:

• 3–4 boneless chicken breasts
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups West African Sweet Potato Ferment
• Fresh cilantro leaves

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the peanut sauce by placing the peanut butter in a bowl. Gradually whisk in the broth, adding about ¼ cup at a time, until a creamy and smooth consistency is achieved. Stir in the garlic paste or minced garlic for an extra kick of flavor.
2. Grill or broil the chicken breasts until they are fully cooked.
3. Once the chicken breasts are done, thinly slice them. Arrange the sliced chicken over a bed of freshly cooked rice, and top it with the West African Sweet Potato Ferment.
4. Drizzle the prepared peanut sauce over the dish, evenly coating the chicken, rice, and sweet potatoes. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a vibrant and herbaceous touch.

TIPS:

• Experiment with different types of nut butter, such as almond or cashew butter, to create variations of the peanut sauce.
• Adjust the consistency of the peanut sauce by adding more or less broth, depending on your desired thickness.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the peanut sauce.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, use a blender or food processor to blend the peanut sauce ingredients until creamy.
• Consider marinating the chicken breasts in a mixture of spices and oil before grilling or broiling to enhance their flavor.
• Substitute the chicken breasts with grilled tofu or tempeh for a vegan protein option.
• Customize the dish by adding additional toppings such as chopped peanuts, sliced scallions, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
• To save time, prepare the peanut sauce and sweet potato ferment in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• Leftover peanut sauce can be used as a dip or sauce for other dishes like spring rolls or stir-fried vegetables.
• Make a larger batch of the sweet potato ferment and use it as a condiment or side dish for other meals throughout the week.
• Serve the dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to add extra nutrients and balance to the meal.
• If you prefer a grain-free option, replace the rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa.
• Enjoy this flavorful and nourishing dish as a complete meal or serve it as part of a larger West African-inspired feast.