Ziva - Nigerian Style

Ingredients

In this Nigerian adaptation of Ziva, we incorporate Nigerian spices like cayenne pepper, ginger, and garlic to add a spicy kick to the dish. Additionally, we use Nigerian red palm oil to infuse the sauce with a unique earthy flavor and vibrant red color, giving it a distinct Nigerian twist. We alse have the original recipe for Ziva, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons Nigerian red palm oil 2 tablespoons Nigerian red palm oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced 2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced
• 3 tomatoes, diced 3 tomatoes, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs, minced garlic, cayenne pepper, ground ginger, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   Heat the Nigerian red palm oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the marinated chicken thighs to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
4. 4.
   Stir in the sliced bell peppers and diced tomatoes. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. 5.
   Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste.
6. 6.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with fluffy white rice or Nigerian jollof rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Nigerian red palm oil — Make sure to use sustainably sourced red palm oil. It adds a unique flavor and color to the dish. If you can't find red palm oil, you can substitute with regular vegetable oil, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra spicy kick, add more cayenne pepper or a chopped scotch bonnet pepper to the marinade.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the recipe.
• Serve the Nigerian-style Ziva with a side of fried plantains for a delicious combination of flavors.
• If you can't find Nigerian red palm oil, you can substitute with palm oil from other regions, but the flavor may vary slightly.
• Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Serving advice

Serve the Nigerian-style Ziva hot with fluffy white rice or Nigerian jollof rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro for added freshness and color.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange the chicken thighs on a bed of fluffy white rice and spoon the flavorful sauce over the top. Garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro for an elegant touch.