1 Delicious Nigerian Chicken Stew with Roasted Peppers.

Description

1 Delicious Nigerian Chicken Stew with Roasted Peppers.
Embark on a culinary adventure to West Africa with Nigerian Chicken Stew with Roasted Peppers, a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and a unique smoky twist. This comforting stew transcends the ordinary, offering a delightful balance of tender chicken simmered in a rich and flavorful sauce.

The journey begins with perfectly seasoned chicken. Unlike most stews, this recipe uses a unique approach. Forget watery broths and long simmering times. Instead, the chicken is generously seasoned with a blend of Knorr cubes, curry powder, thyme, rosemary, and your personal favorite spices. This flavorful rub infuses the chicken with warmth and complexity.

The magic unfolds in the next step. Instead of being submerged in liquid, the seasoned chicken is placed in a pot on low to medium heat. Here, the key lies in allowing the chicken to steam in its own juices for 15 minutes. This unique method concentrates the flavors, creating a chicken base bursting with savory goodness.

After 15 minutes of steaming, you have the option to further cook the chicken based on your preference.

For the Classic Boil: If you prefer simple, tender chicken, simply add enough water to cover the chicken and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer until cooked through for a straightforward and satisfying option.
For a Crispy Twist: Craving a Crispier Exterior? Fry or grill the seasoned chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through. This method adds another layer of texture and complexity to the final dish.

While the chicken simmers or sears, the vegetables take center stage. Roasting adds a unique dimension to this Nigerian chicken stew. Here's where the magic of smoky flavor comes into play.

Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature (around 200°C or 400°F). Toss together peppers, tomatoes, scotch bonnet pepper (for a touch of heat), onions, and garlic. Spread them out evenly on a baking sheet and allow them to roast for 30–40 minutes.

Roasting not only intensifies the natural sweetness of the vegetables but also creates a hint of smokiness. This adds a unique depth of flavor that sets this stew apart from the ordinary.

Once beautifully roasted and slightly caramelized, the vegetables are transformed into a flavorful base for the stew. They are blended with ginger, a warming and aromatic spice, until smooth. This vibrant and slightly smoky blended mixture is then set aside, ready to infuse the stew with its magic.

The next step involves building the aromatic foundation of the stew. Heat up vegetable oil in a large saucepan. If you choose to fry the chicken, you can use the leftover oil for an extra layer of flavor.

Sauté chopped onions and curry leaves (if using) until fragrant. The aroma of these aromatics fills the kitchen, whetting your appetite for the culinary adventure to come.

Now comes the moment to introduce the star of the show—the blended roasted pepper mixture. Add it to the pot along with additional Knorr cubes, curry powder, thyme, and salt to taste. Fry this mixture for a few minutes, allowing the raw pepper taste to disappear and the flavors to meld. As you fry, you'll notice some oil starting to float to the surface, a sign that the flavors are intensifying.

For a richer, deeper flavor, chicken stock is the preferred choice over water. Adding 1-2 cups of stock elevates the stew to a whole new level. However, if you don't have stock readily available, water can be used in moderation (around 1 cup) to adjust the consistency.

Simmer the stew for 5 minutes, allowing the stock (or water) to marry with the other flavors and create a cohesive base.

The final act involves bringing everything together. Add the cooked chicken, whether boiled, simmered, or fried, to the simmering stew. Stir gently to combine all the components and ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the flavorful sauce.

Reduce the heat to low and simmer the stew for another 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld perfectly, creating a harmonious symphony of spices, smoky roasted vegetables, and tender chicken.

For those who prefer a less oily stew, you can skim some oil off the surface before serving. This is entirely optional, and the oil adds richness to the dish.