How to Prepare Chicken Stew in Nigeria
Chicken stew is a popular Nigerian dish that is loved by many for its rich flavors and tender chunks of chicken. It is a staple in Nigerian cuisine and is often served with rice, yam, or plantain. Preparing chicken stew in Nigeria involves a combination of traditional spices and herbs that give it a unique taste. In this article, we will guide you through the steps on how to prepare chicken stew in Nigeria.
Ingredients
Before you start preparing the chicken stew, gather the following ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons of tomato puree
– 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
– 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1 teaspoon of thyme
– 1 teaspoon of chili powder (optional)
– 2 cups of water or chicken broth
– 1 can of coconut milk (optional)
– 1 cup of red palm oil (optional)
– 2 tablespoons of crayfish (optional)
– 2 tablespoons of smoked fish (optional)
Preparation
1. Begin by washing the chicken pieces thoroughly and patting them dry with paper towels.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they are soft and translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the tomato puree, ground ginger, ground turmeric, ground black pepper, salt, thyme, and chili powder (if using). Cook for about 2 minutes until the spices are well combined.
5. Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook for a few minutes until they are browned on all sides.
6. Pour in the water or chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
7. If you are using coconut milk or red palm oil, add them to the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This will add a creamy texture and deepen the flavor of the stew.
8. Add the crayfish and smoked fish (if using) during the last 5 minutes of cooking. These ingredients will add a unique taste and aroma to the stew.
9. Once the chicken is tender and the stew has reached your desired consistency, turn off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken stew in Nigeria is best served with rice, yam, or plantain. You can also garnish it with chopped green onions or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious Nigerian chicken stew with your family and friends!
