Sierra Leonean-style Spicy Chicken Stew

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the Italian Pollo alla 'ncip 'nciap is transformed into a Sierra Leonean-style Spicy Chicken Stew by incorporating traditional West African spices and flavors. The original dish typically features chicken cooked in a white wine and vinegar sauce, while the Sierra Leonean version uses a tomato-based sauce with a blend of spices such as ginger, garlic, chili, and paprika. This adaptation adds a delightful kick of heat and a depth of flavor that is characteristic of Sierra Leonean cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Pollo alla 'ncip 'nciap, so you can check it out.

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) chicken pieces, bone-in and skin-on 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) chicken pieces, bone-in and skin-on
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 bell peppers, diced 2 bell peppers, diced
• 2 scotch bonnet peppers, finely chopped 2 scotch bonnet peppers, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups (470ml) chicken broth 2 cups (470ml) chicken broth
• 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): 25g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 5g
• Protein: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• 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, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and scotch bonnet peppers to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
4. 4.
   Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, ground coriander, ground cumin, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for another minute to allow the spices to release their flavors.
5. 5.
   Return the chicken pieces to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
7. 7.
   Remove the bay leaf from the stew. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. 8.
   Serve the Spicy Chicken Stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy with steamed rice or crusty bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — For the best flavor and tenderness, use bone-in and skin-on chicken pieces. This will add richness to the stew and prevent the meat from drying out during cooking.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a milder heat, you can reduce the amount of scotch bonnet peppers or remove the seeds before chopping them.
• For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and ginger for a few hours before cooking.
• Feel free to add additional vegetables such as carrots or potatoes to the stew for added texture and nutrition.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
• Adjust the thickness of the stew by adding more chicken broth or simmering uncovered to reduce the liquid.

Serving advice

Serve the Sierra Leonean-style Spicy Chicken Stew hot, accompanied by steamed rice or warm crusty bread. The stew is best enjoyed with a side of fresh salad or sautéed greens to balance the flavors and add a refreshing element to the meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Spicy Chicken Stew with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to add a pop of color and freshness. Serve it in a deep bowl or on a large platter, allowing the vibrant colors of the stew to shine through. Pair it with a side of fluffy white rice or a slice of warm crusty bread for a complete and satisfying presentation.