Nigerian Chicken Stew is a delicious and savory dish that is popular in Nigeria and beyond. It is a perfect accompaniment to rice, yams, plantains, or even bread. However, many people find cooking Nigerian chicken stew to be a daunting task, with the result being a disappointing watery mess. Fear not! In this article, we will take you through the steps to prepare the best Nigerian chicken stew that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
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Ingredients:
- 1 kg of chicken
- 5 large red bell peppers (tatashe)
- 5 scotch bonnet peppers (ata rodo)
- 3 medium-sized onions
- 3 seasoning cubes
- 1 tablespoon of thyme
- 1 tablespoon of curry powder
- 1 tablespoon of dried pepper (optional)
- Salt to taste
- 250 ml of vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of ginger powder
Preparation:
- Wash and season the chicken with salt, thyme, curry powder, ginger powder, and one diced onion. Mix well and marinate in the fridge for at least an hour.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the peppers by washing, seeding, and cutting them into chunks.
- Blend the peppers and two onions together in a food processor until you have a smooth paste. Be careful not to add water.
- In a deep pot, heat up the vegetable oil on medium heat, then add the diced onion and fry for a few minutes until translucent.
- Add the blended pepper mix to the pot and stir continuously. Allow it to fry for at least 20 minutes or until the oil floats to the top.
- Add the marinated chicken to the pot and stir in the fried pepper sauce. Allow the chicken to cook on medium heat for 30 minutes or until tender. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add seasoning cubes, dried pepper (if using), and salt to taste. Stir well and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Your Nigerian chicken stew is ready to be served!
Tips:
- Use red bell peppers and scotch bonnet peppers in equal parts to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and heat.
- You can also add sliced carrots, green peas, or chopped leafy vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition.
- Don’t be tempted to add water to the pepper mix, as this will result in a watery stew.
- Use a deep pot to prevent the stew from splattering all over your stove.
Conclusion:
Cooking Nigerian chicken stew might seem intimidating, but with the right ingredients and techniques, you can prepare a delicious and satisfying meal that will impress your guests or family. Follow the recipe above, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices or vegetables to create a unique twist on this classic Nigerian dish. Happy cooking!
