African Chicken Stew

This delicious stew is inspired by my friend from Sierra Leone, West Africa, who cooks often for her family. Many ingredients can be modified. This is kind of a 'whatever is handy now' recipe. You can use a whole roasting chicken cut into bite-sized pieces, or just breasts and thighs if you prefer. Other suggested additions are turnips, carrots and celery. This looks great served over white rice with a garnish of fresh chopped cilantro, parsley or unsalted peanuts.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 35 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 615 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup water
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 large potato, diced
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 (3 pound) roasting chicken, deboned and cut into bite size pieces
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander seed
• ¾ cup unsalted natural-style peanut butter
• 1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

In a large skillet with a tight-fitting lid, heat oil over medium high heat. Add chicken, and brown quickly. Remove chicken from pan. Reduce heat to medium low, and add garlic, onion and potato to the pan; saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Season with cumin, coriander, black pepper, red pepper and salt. Do not let garlic brown.

Step 2

Mix in water and browned chicken, and any accumulated juices. Place lid on skillet and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 3

Remove lid, and stir in the peanut butter and garbanzo beans. Make sure the peanut butter is blended in. Replace lid to simmer for 10 more minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender. Remove from heat, adjust seasoning, and serve.