Muamba Nsusu - Congolese Peanut Stew

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs) 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup (240 ml) smooth peanut butter 1 cup (240 ml) smooth peanut butter
• 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk
• 2 cups (470 ml) chicken broth 2 cups (470 ml) chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 32g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 6g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. 2.
   In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced tomatoes and cook until they soften.
4. 4.
   Return the chicken to the pot and add the sweet potatoes, peanut butter, coconut milk, chicken broth, bay leaves, paprika, ground coriander, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. 6.
   Remove the bay leaves and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. 7.
   Serve the Muamba Nsusu hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy with rice or crusty bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — Make sure to remove the skin from the chicken pieces to reduce the fat content and achieve a healthier dish.
• Peanut butter — Opt for natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils for a more authentic and nutritious taste.
• Coconut milk — Shake the can of coconut milk well before using to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.
• Sweet potatoes — Cut the sweet potatoes into evenly sized cubes to ensure they cook evenly and maintain their shape in the stew.
• Fresh cilantro — Rinse the cilantro thoroughly and pat it dry before using it as a garnish to enhance the visual appeal of the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped chili pepper to the stew.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend a portion of the stew before adding the chicken back in.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables in the stew based on your preferences. Okra, bell peppers, or spinach can be great additions.
• Serve the Muamba Nsusu with a side of pickled vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the stew.

Serving advice

Serve the Muamba Nsusu in deep bowls, allowing the aromatic steam to rise. Accompany it with a generous portion of fluffy white rice or a slice of warm crusty bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and added freshness.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation of Muamba Nsusu, sprinkle some crushed peanuts on top of the stew before serving. Arrange the chicken pieces and sweet potato cubes strategically to create an appealing visual composition. Serve the stew in traditional Congolese pottery or colorful ceramic bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the dish.