Canarian-style Pollo Fafa

Ingredients

In the original Togolese Poulet Fafa, the chicken is cooked with spinach and palm nut cream, resulting in a creamy and slightly tangy dish. In the Canarian adaptation, we replace the spinach with Canarian spices and the palm nut cream with a tomato-based sauce. This modification adds a unique Canarian twist to the dish, enhancing its flavors with the local ingredients and culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Poulet fafa, so you can check it out.

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) chicken pieces 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) chicken pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 teaspoons paprika 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon thyme 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon oregano 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 5g
• Protein: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced red and green bell peppers to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, until they start to soften.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, paprika, cumin, thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. 5.
   Add the chicken pieces to the pot and coat them with the spice mixture.
6. 6.
   Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
7. 7.
   Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
8. 8.
   Increase the heat to medium-high and let the sauce simmer for an additional 10 minutes to thicken.
9. 9.
   Return the chicken to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
10. 10.
    Serve the Canarian-style Pollo Fafa hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — For the best flavor and tenderness, use bone-in chicken pieces such as thighs or drumsticks.
• Canarian spices — Canarian cuisine is known for its unique spice blends. If you can't find Canarian spices, you can substitute with a combination of paprika, cumin, and oregano to capture the essence of the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice mixture for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
• Adjust the level of heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper according to your preference.
• Serve the Canarian-style Pollo Fafa with a side of Canarian potatoes or rice to complete the meal.

Serving advice

Canarian-style Pollo Fafa is best served hot, allowing the flavors to fully develop. Serve it as a main course with a side of Canarian potatoes or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange the chicken pieces on a platter and spoon the sauce over them. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for an attractive finishing touch.