Azin’g Déssi (Peanut Butter Stew)

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 45 minutes

Total time: 1 hour

Servings: 6 servings

Country of Origin

Togo

Description

A thick, savory peanut stew made from roasted natural peanut butter simmered with chicken, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and local herbs.

Presentation & How It's Eaten

Ladled generously over a mound of white rice, boiled yams, or Fufu, served warm.

Ingredients

• 1 cup natural unsweetened smooth peanut butter

• 1.5 lbs chicken, cut into pieces

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced

• 3 tbsp tomato paste

• 2 ripe tomatoes, puréed

• 3 cups chicken broth

• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, whole

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Directions

• Sear Chicken: Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper; sear for 8 minutes until browned. Remove chicken and set aside.

• Sauté Aromatics: In same pot, add onions, garlic, and ginger; cook for 4 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and puréed tomatoes, simmer for 6 minutes.

• Dissolve Peanut Butter: Whisk peanut butter into 1 cup warm chicken broth until smooth, then pour into pot with remaining broth.

• Simmer: Return chicken to pot and add Scotch bonnet pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until oil floats to surface and sauce thickens.

• Serve: Season with salt and serve hot.

Optional

• Vegetable Addition: Add sweet potato cubes or eggplant during last 15 minutes of cooking.

Cooking Tips

• Frequent Stirring: Stir bottom of pot regularly as peanut butter can settle and scorch easily.

Nutrition Facts

(Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: ~460 kcal

• Total Fat: 30g

• Saturated Fat: 6g

• Cholesterol: 75mg

• Sodium: 440mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 15g

• Dietary Fiber: 4g

• Sugars: 5g

• Protein: 34g