Hkatenkwan-inspired Peanut Stew

Ingredients

In this adaptation of Hkatenkwan, we have made a few modifications to suit American cuisine. While the original recipe traditionally uses goat meat, we have substituted it with chicken, a popular protein choice in American cooking. Additionally, we have incorporated sweet potatoes and bell peppers to add a touch of sweetness and crunch, which are commonly used in American stews. These adaptations enhance the flavors and textures of the dish while maintaining the essence of the original Hkatenkwan. We alse have the original recipe for Hkatenkwan, so you can check it out.

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth
• 2 cups (470ml) coconut milk 2 cups (470ml) coconut milk
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1-2 Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers, seeded and finely chopped (adjust to taste) 1-2 Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers, seeded and finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach leaves 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach leaves
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 480 kcal / 2010 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 32g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 6g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
3. 3.
   Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   Stir in the peanut butter, chicken broth, and coconut milk, ensuring that the peanut butter is well incorporated.
5. 5.
   Add the diced sweet potatoes, bell peppers, chopped chili peppers, ground cumin, ground coriander, and paprika to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender.
7. 7.
   Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until wilted.
8. 8.
   Adjust the seasoning if needed.
9. 9.
   Serve the Peanut Stew hot with steamed rice or crusty bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken thighs — Ensure that the chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and tenderness.
• Peanut butter — Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth and velvety texture in the stew.
• Sweet potatoes — Dice the sweet potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier stew, increase the amount of chili peppers or leave the seeds in.
• Adjust the consistency of the stew by adding more chicken broth or coconut milk if desired.
• Garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for added texture and freshness.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
• Experiment with different vegetables such as butternut squash or kale for variation.

Serving advice

Serve the Peanut Stew hot over a bed of steamed rice or with crusty bread on the side. The rice or bread will help soak up the flavorful sauce and complement the richness of the stew.

Presentation advice

Present the Peanut Stew in a deep bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables to shine through. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and a sprig of fresh cilantro for an appealing visual touch.