Dovi-inspired Peanut Stew with a Caribbean Twist

Ingredients

While the original Dovi recipe from Zimbabwe features groundnuts as the main ingredient, this adapted Caribbean Peanut Stew incorporates the flavors and spices commonly found in Curaçaoan cuisine. The addition of Caribbean spices like cumin, coriander, and allspice, as well as the use of lime juice and cilantro, gives this dish a distinct Caribbean twist, setting it apart from the traditional Dovi. We alse have the original recipe for Dovi, so you can check it out.

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15g) cumin powder 1 tablespoon (15g) cumin powder
• 1 tablespoon (15g) coriander powder 1 tablespoon (15g) coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon (5g) allspice 1 teaspoon (5g) allspice
• 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and minced 1 scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and minced
• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces (or substitute with vegetables for a vegetarian version) 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces (or substitute with vegetables for a vegetarian version)
• 1 cup (240ml) peanut butter 1 cup (240ml) peanut butter
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups (470ml) coconut milk 2 cups (470ml) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) lime juice 2 tablespoons (30ml) lime juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 32g, 15g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 4g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they turn golden brown.
2. 2.
   Stir in the cumin powder, coriander powder, allspice, paprika, and minced scotch bonnet pepper. Cook for another minute to release the flavors.
3. 3.
   Add the chicken (or vegetables) to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   Reduce the heat to low and add the peanut butter, stirring until it melts and coats the chicken (or vegetables) evenly.
5. 5.
   Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and coconut milk, stirring well to combine. Bring the stew to a gentle simmer.
6. 6.
   Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender (or vegetables are cooked to desired tenderness).
7. 7.
   Stir in the lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Serve the Caribbean Peanut Stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Peanut butter — Use natural peanut butter without added sugar or hydrogenated oils for a healthier and more authentic taste.
• Scotch bonnet pepper — Adjust the amount of pepper according to your spice tolerance. For a milder version, remove the seeds before mincing.

Tips & Tricks

• For a thicker stew, reduce the amount of chicken or vegetable broth.
• Add a splash of coconut milk as a garnish for an extra creamy texture.
• Serve the stew with a side of rice or traditional Curaçaoan cornmeal funchi for a complete meal.
• Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less scotch bonnet pepper.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for an even more flavorful meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Caribbean Peanut Stew in deep bowls, accompanied by a generous portion of rice or funchi. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, drizzle a swirl of coconut milk on top of the stew and sprinkle some crushed peanuts for added texture. Serve with a side of warm cornbread or plantain chips for an authentic Caribbean touch.