Groundnut Stew

							Groundnut Stew
Groundnut is the common African word for peanut, and Groundnut Stew or Groundnut Chop is one of
many Chop dishes; the Western African version of the Chicken in Peanut-Tomato Sauce eaten all over
sub-Saharan Africa. The Western African style is usually more elaborate, with more ingredients and
garnishes. Palm-Oil Chop is similar to Groundnut Stew: the main difference is that peanuts (or peanut
butter) in Groundnut Stew replace the palm nuts (or canned palm
soup base) and in Palm-Oil Chop.


What you need

    one or two sweet potatoes, or a similar amount of yams, peeled
     and cut into cubes (optional)
    peanut oil (or other cooking oil)
    one or two chickens, cut into large bite-sized pieces (you can
     also use equal parts chicken and beef or stew meat)
    salt (to taste)
    black pepper (to taste)
    chicken broth or stock (optional)
    two or three tomatoes, chopped (or canned tomaoes, or tomato
     sauce or tomato paste)
    one or two onions, chopped very fine
    one clove garlic, minced (optional)
    one or two hot chile peppers, chopped (optional)
    one-half teaspoon ground ginger or coriander
    pinch of thyme or a bay leaf
    one-quarter cup dried shrimp or dried prawns (optional)
    one medium eggplant (aubergine, or guinea squash) or a dozen okra, or canned beans, or canned
     corn (optional)
    sweet green pepper (or bell pepper), chopped (optional)
    squash, chopped (optional)
    one cup peanut butter (preferably natural and unsweetened) -- or make your own peanut paste by
     roasting peanuts, removing the shells and skins, and grinding, mashing, or mincing them, then
     simmer them in a saucepan with a cup of water

What you do

    If using sweet potatoes or yams:
     Boil or steam them until they begin to become tender.
    In a large pot or dutch oven fry the meat in hot oil, until browned. Add salt and pepper. Reduce
     heat, add a cup of water or chicken broth and simmer.
    Heat oil in a skillet. Fry the tomatoes, onions, garlic, chile peppers over high heat. Add spices. Add
     the optional vegetables, sweet potatoes or yams, and/or dried shrimp or prawns. Reduce heat and
     stir in peanut butter and a bit of water or broth. Stir until smooth.
    Add the tomato-onion-peanut mixture to the simmering meat. Stir throughly and continue to
     simmer until the meat is cooked and the vegetables are tender.
    Serve with boiled Rice and as many garnishes as possible:
          o hard-boiled eggs, peeled (everyone must have a hard-boiled egg); these are sometimes
              added to the pot and cooked with the stew a few minutes before serving
          o sliced boiled yam or sweet potato
          o breadcrumbs or croutons
          o sliced fruit: such as banana, mango, orange, papaya, pineapple, etc.
          o shredded lettuce
          o parsley
          o chopped nuts
          o shredded coconut
          o sliced tomato
          o sliced onion: raw or fried
          o chile peppers
          o chutney
          o African Hot Sauce
          o salt, black pepper, red pepper