African Chicken Moambe Stew
This African Chicken Moambe Stew is a rich and flavorful dish adapted from Bill Odarty's celebrated cookbook 'A Sahara of African Cooking.' The recipe was shared by Joyce Williams, who discovered her family's culinary roots and was inspired to bring this traditional stew to the forefront at community gatherings. The unique blend of spices, creamy peanut butter, and succulent chicken makes this dish not only comforting but a potential crowd-pleaser. Legend has it that Joyce received a marriage proposal after serving this stew, a testament to its irresistibly enchanting taste. Perfect for serving over a bed of rice, this stew captures the heart and soul of Central African cuisine, where 'Moambe' simply translates to stew.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken parts
3-4 lbs (Cut into serving pieces)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Black pepper
To taste (Freshly cracked)
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
Onion
1 (Minced)
Nutmeg
1 dash (Ground)
Tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) can (No preparation needed)
Butter
1 tablespoon (Unsalted)
Peanut butter
1 cup (Creamy and unsalted)
Instructions
1
In a large 6-quart soup pot, place the chicken parts and cover with water. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
2
Bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until cooked through and tender.
3
Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Reserve 1.5 cups of the chicken broth for later use.
4
In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
5
Stir in the cayenne pepper, nutmeg, and tomato sauce. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
6
Add the cooked chicken to the sautéed mixture, followed by the reserved chicken broth. Cover and let it simmer for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
7
After 15 minutes, stir in the creamy peanut butter, mixing well to combine. Transfer the stew to the oven and bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes to slightly thicken and deepen the flavors.
8
Serve the Moambe stew warm, generously ladled over cooked rice for a fulfilling meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is African Chicken Moambe Stew?
African Chicken Moambe Stew is a rich and flavorful Central African dish made with chicken, creamy peanut butter, and a unique blend of spices.
Who shared this specific version of the Moambe recipe?
This recipe was shared by Joyce Williams, who discovered her family's culinary roots and brought this traditional stew to community gatherings.
What does the word 'Moambe' mean?
In Central African cuisine, the word 'Moambe' simply translates to stew.
What is the origin of this Moambe stew recipe?
The recipe is adapted from Bill Odarty's celebrated cookbook titled 'A Sahara of African Cooking' and represents Central African culinary traditions.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
You will need 3 to 4 pounds of chicken parts cut into serving pieces.
How long should the chicken simmer initially?
The chicken should simmer gently in water for 1 to 1.5 hours or until it is cooked through and tender.
How much chicken broth should be reserved?
After boiling the chicken, you should reserve 1.5 cups of the chicken broth for later use in the stew.
What type of peanut butter is recommended for Moambe stew?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of creamy and unsalted peanut butter.
What spices are used to season the stew?
The stew is seasoned with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and a dash of ground nutmeg.
How is the onion prepared for this dish?
One onion should be minced and sautéed in butter for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
At what temperature should the stew be baked?
The stew should be baked in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the final baking process take?
The stew is baked uncovered for 30 minutes to help it slightly thicken and deepen the flavors.
What is the best way to serve African Chicken Moambe Stew?
It is best served warm and generously ladled over a bed of cooked rice.
Is there a legend associated with this recipe?
Yes, legend has it that Joyce Williams received a marriage proposal after serving this stew due to its enchanting taste.
What size pot should be used for boiling the chicken?
A large 6-quart soup pot is recommended for boiling the chicken parts.
Should the stew be baked covered or uncovered?
The stew should be baked uncovered to allow the sauce to thicken properly.
What kind of butter is used in the sautéing step?
The recipe specifies using 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter.
How much tomato sauce is added to the mixture?
One 8-ounce can of tomato sauce is stirred into the sautéed onion and spices.
How many ingredients are in the African Chicken Moambe Stew?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used in this recipe.
How long should the chicken simmer after adding the sauce and broth?
Once the chicken and reserved broth are added to the sautéed mixture, let it simmer for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Is the peanut butter added before or after the initial simmer?
The peanut butter is stirred in after the 15-minute simmer, just before transferring the stew to the oven.
What type of pepper provides the heat in this dish?
Ground cayenne pepper is used to provide heat to the stew.
Can this recipe be considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as both comforting and a potential crowd-pleaser.
Is the chicken cooked with the skin on or off?
The recipe uses chicken parts cut into pieces; typically, traditional stews use bone-in pieces for maximum flavor.
What is the role of nutmeg in this recipe?
A dash of nutmeg adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the peanut and tomato base.
Does the recipe require salted peanut butter?
No, the recipe specifically requests unsalted peanut butter.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While the exact serving count isn't specified, 3-4 lbs of chicken generally serves approximately 4 to 6 people.
Is Moambe stew a type of soul food?
Yes, it is categorized as soul food within the context of Central African culinary heritage.
What gives the stew its creamy texture?
The addition of one cup of creamy peanut butter provides the dish its signature richness and creaminess.
Can I use pre-cracked black pepper?
The recipe recommends freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor profile.