West African Chicken Stew

Embark on a delightful culinary journey to West Africa with this tantalizing West African Chicken Stew, a fusion of native African flavors that transport your taste buds to new and exciting places. Michael Cohen, from Los Angeles, California, shares his love for African cuisine and the joy of discovering this remarkable dish, carefully crafted with ingredients readily accessible to all Americans.

At the heart of this flavorful stew lies tender boneless skinless chicken breasts, seasoned to perfection with salt and pepper. Sauteed in canola oil, the chicken becomes succulent and delightful, infusing the stew with its delicious taste.

The aromatic blend of onions, garlic, and minced ginger adds a delightful depth to the dish. The incorporation of black-eyed peas, crushed tomatoes, and sweet potatoes creates a harmonious symphony of textures and flavors. Reduced-sodium chicken broth enriches the stew, while creamy peanut butter adds a unique and delightful twist.

Enhanced with the fragrance of fresh thyme and a hint of cayenne pepper, the West African Chicken Stew becomes a celebration of tastes and aromas. Served alongside hot cooked brown rice, this dish promises to delight the senses and leave a lasting impression.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 3 teaspoons canola oil, divided
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh gingerroot
• 2 cans (15½ ounces each) black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1½ teaspoons minced fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme, divided
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Hot cooked brown rice, optional

PREPARATIONS:

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a Dutch oven, cook the chicken over medium heat in 2 teaspoons of canola oil for 4-6 minutes or until no longer pink. Remove and keep warm. In the same pan, saute the thinly sliced onion in the remaining canola oil until tender. Add minced garlic and ginger; cook for an additional minute.
2. Stir in the black-eyed peas, crushed tomatoes, sweet potato cubes, reduced-sodium chicken broth, peanut butter, 1¼ teaspoons of thyme, and cayenne pepper. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Add the cooked chicken, and heat through.
3. Serve the West African Chicken Stew with hot cooked brown rice if desired. Sprinkle the remaining thyme over the stew for an extra burst of flavor.

YIELD: 8 servings (2½ quarts)

PREP/COOK TIME: 55 minutes

TIPS:

• For an authentic West African touch, garnish the stew with chopped fresh cilantro or scallions.
• Adjust the level of cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference, making it milder or spicier according to your taste.

In conclusion, the West African Chicken Stew is a remarkable fusion of flavors that takes you on a culinary adventure to West Africa without leaving the comfort of your home. Michael Cohen, hailing from Los Angeles, California, shares his love for African cuisine through this delightful dish, crafted with easily accessible ingredients that tantalize the senses.

At the core of this flavorful stew is tender boneless chicken, seasoned to perfection with salt and pepper. Sauteed to juicy perfection in canola oil, the chicken lends its delectable taste to the heartwarming stew.

The aromatic combination of onions, garlic, and minced ginger adds depth and character to the dish. Complemented by black-eyed peas, crushed tomatoes, and sweet potato cubes, the stew boasts a medley of delightful textures and flavors. The richness of creamy peanut butter adds a unique and delightful twist to this delightful creation.

Elevated with fragrant thyme and a touch of cayenne pepper, the West African Chicken Stew becomes an exquisite symphony of tastes and aromas. Served alongside hot cooked brown rice, this dish captivates the palate and leaves a lasting impression.

As you savor each mouthful of this authentic West African delight, you’ll be transported to distant lands through the harmonious blend of flavors. The soulful aroma and inviting taste of this stew embrace you, creating cherished memories of cultural exploration through culinary delights.

So, invite your loved ones to share in this delightful journey and relish the West African Chicken Stew together. A celebration of family heritage and global flavors, this dish is a testament to the joy of embracing new culinary experiences.