Chiapas-style Groundnut Stew

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Ghanaian Groundnut Stew is transformed into a Chiapas-style dish by incorporating local ingredients and spices. The addition of chipotle peppers and smoked paprika infuses the stew with a smoky flavor, characteristic of Chiapanecan cuisine. The use of plantains adds a touch of sweetness and a distinct texture to the dish, enhancing its complexity. These modifications create a unique fusion of flavors, marrying the essence of Ghanaian cuisine with the vibrant culinary traditions of Chiapas. We alse have the original recipe for Groundnut Stew, 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 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons (30g) tomato paste 2 tablespoons (30g) tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cumin 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon (5g) ground coriander 1 teaspoon (5g) ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon (5g) smoked paprika 1 teaspoon (5g) smoked paprika
• 1 cup (200g) peanut butter 1 cup (200g) peanut butter
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken or beef broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken or beef broth
• 1 pound (450g) chicken or beef, cut into bite-sized pieces 1 pound (450g) chicken or beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 plantains, peeled and sliced 2 plantains, peeled and sliced
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 30g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 8g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• 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 fragrant and translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the diced bell peppers and chopped tomatoes to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables soften.
3. 3.
   Stir in the tomato paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, and smoked paprika. Cook for another minute to allow the spices to release their flavors.
4. 4.
   Add the peanut butter to the pot and stir until it melts and combines with the other ingredients.
5. 5.
   Gradually pour in the chicken or beef broth, stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce.
6. 6.
   Add the chicken or beef pieces to the pot and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and tender.
7. 7.
   In a separate pan, heat a little oil and fry the plantain slices until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
8. 8.
   Add the fried plantains and minced chipotle peppers to the stew. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
9. 9.
   Serve the Chiapas-style Groundnut Stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. It pairs perfectly with steamed rice or tortillas.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Plantains — Make sure the plantains are ripe but still firm for the best texture in the stew.
• Chipotle peppers — Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers according to your spice preference. For a milder flavor, use less or remove the seeds before mincing.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the stew before adding the meat and plantains.
• If you prefer a spicier stew, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce.
• Feel free to substitute chicken or beef with your preferred protein, such as tofu or shrimp.
• Serve the stew with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a tangy twist.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day, allowing the flavors to further develop.

Serving advice

Serve the Chiapas-style Groundnut Stew in deep bowls, accompanied by steamed rice or warm tortillas. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and added freshness.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, place a few slices of fried plantains on top of the stew and sprinkle some chopped cilantro. Serve with a side of steamed rice or tortillas.